YOUNGSTERS from some of the county’s most disadvantaged areas tried out a host of unusual sports at an iconic sporting venue.

Sports charity StreetGames gave a group of 12 to 25-year-olds from some of Hastings’ most disadvantaged areas the chance to try out a host of unusual sports at one of London’s iconic Olympic venues, the Copper Box, as part of the StreetGames Multi Sport Festival.

The festival brings together young people from disadvantaged communities and gives them the chance to try a range of new sports.

More than 40 youngsters from the Active Hastings project took part in taster sessions in sports ranging from netball and basketball to Tri-Volle and parkour.

Councillor Dawn Poole, the council’s lead member for leisure and amenities, said: “Hasting Borough Council’s Active StreetGames team provide an easy, fun way for local people to get their everyday dose of physical activity.

“This festival has given young people from our local communities a chance to try new sports such as Tri-Volle and to experience the legacy venues which hosted the 2012 Olympics.

“The memories these young people take from the festival will hopefully encourage them to find sports they can be passionate about at home.

“This event also allowed us to empower some of our young leaders, who were able to take the role of mentors for some of the younger people that came down.

“One of our most successful volunteers, Deanna, has been with Active StreetGames since she was 15.

“Now 17, Deanna is working toward her coaching Level Two in swimming and is aiming to set up a local low cost swimming hour to introduce more people in the area to swimming.”

Jane Ashworth, CEO of StreetGames, said: “Young people tell us that they want a more vibrant and varied sporting offer and it’s important to give them the chance to leave their community and try new things.

“We hope that this inspiration will grow into a sporting habit for life.”

The festival is part of Coca-Cola Great Britain’s commitment to encourage people to live more active, healthy lifestyles and is a key element of its partnership with StreetGames, which has run since 2010.