YOUNG people in Oxford are to be given the chance to take part in a range of new sports after new funding was handed to a council scheme.

Sports charity Access Sport has teamed up with Oxford City Council and will work to engage young people with sport over the next three years.

Access Sport aims to attract 1,800 young people who do not play sport regularly, with the hope that participation will improve their health and help them make new friends.

It is also hoped 60 new volunteers will sign up and 60 new coaches will be trained.

The project, which was initially to have beeen funded by £50,000 from Oxfordshire High Sheriff Tony Stratton.

it has now received match-funding from Challenge, Oxford City Council and Sport England.

Mr Stratton said: “I’m thrilled that this initiative is working so well.

“The city council has really embraced the concept and matched the initial funding.

“And, With the additional funding from Sport England, it means that we can maintain the focus for the next three years.”

Access Sport spokesman Mark Hardie said: “Adding Oxford to our growing list of cities is exciting and we are grateful to all the people who have made this project possible.

“Together we are ensuring young people in Oxford have access to the health and social benefits of sport.”