Up to 1,000 young people from five inner-city secondary schools will join sports professionals for an all-action programme of coaching and fun at Bristol University's Coombe Dingle Sports Complex from September 23 to 26.

The four-day Active Opportunities programme will offer pupils from St George City Academy, Fairfield High School, Speedwell Technology College, Whitefield Fishponds Community School and Bristol Gateway School the chance to try rugby, tennis, football, athletics and cricket with guidance from professional athletes, coaches and trainers.  Bristol Shoguns, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and Bristol Rovers are all lending their support.

Active Opportunities was piloted in 2001, grew in 2002 and is now a successful annual fixture that has given hundreds of young people a fresh insight into the excitement and health benefits of sport and exercise.  It is an initiative of Business in the Community's Race for Opportunity (SW) campaign, working alongside Bristol City Council, Bristol University, City of Bristol College and the Bristol Education Action Zone.

Sponsored by the Bank of Ireland UK, UnumProvident, the BBC, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Avon Fire Brigade, the University's Widening Participation Office and Sport England, Active Opportunities has also attracted voluntary support from a wide range of Bristol businesses and other local organisations.

Peaches Golding, who heads the Race for Opportunity campaign in the region, said: "The project gives young people with limited access to sport valuable experience of first-class coaching and world-class facilities.  Some of them may discover a talent that will lead to a career in sport; others may be inspired to pursue sport for fun and fitness; and all of them should have a really enjoyable time."

Professor Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of Bristol University, said: "We're proud to be part of an initiative that gives local youngsters such a positive experience.  It can only help to raise their sights."