Andover Town Council launches new pilot scheme for Easter

Andover Town Council has announced the U-Choose Card, a pilot scheme designed to give 11 to 16-year-olds entry to "fun, safe and healthy" activities during the Easter 2026 school holidays.

Each participant will be able to access two free leisure activities.

Andover Town Council said: "This pilot reflects our commitment to supporting local young people and their families, and to providing safe, enjoyable opportunities during the school holidays.

U-Choose poster (Image: Andover Town Council)

"The U-Choose Card is about empowering young people to make positive choices while strengthening community wellbeing across Andover."

The programme will run from March 30 to April 10.

It will offer up to 240 young people two free activities each at venues including Andover Leisure Centre and Riverside Bowl.

Three secondary schools have been approached to take part, with two already signed up.

The council said the scheme is a response to "growing community needs."

The U-Choose Card aims to reduce such behaviour, promote physical activity, build confidence, encourage social connection, and relieve financial pressure on families.

Each young person will receive a card through their school.

For a £2 contribution, the card offers access to two activities of their choice.

The scheme is funded through the council’s Youth Services budget, meaning no external funding is required.

Danny Churcher, contract manager at Places Leisure, said: "We are very pleased and excited to collaborate with the Town Council in delivering the U-Choose programme in Andover.

"Places Leisure are committed to supporting our local community to being active and living a healthy lifestyle and this starts with children and young people.

"This programme will hopefully encourage young people to be physically active during the school holidays and will give them something different to do with their friends."

Miss Sebon from Lift Winton said: "Lift Winton is so pleased that Andover Town Council is being responsive to the needs of our children.

"They will enjoy trying new skills and being able to do something structured with their friends."

Miss E Coster of John Hanson said: "We believe that this scheme will help young people to connect with their friends during the school holidays and for some, introduce them to new leisure activities that they may never have had the opportunity to play before like Pickle Ball and hiring a court to play a sport of their choice.

"The U-Choose card is positively promoting positive mental health and we are really excited to share this opportunity with our students, thank you."

For more information about the U-Choose project contact Andover Town Council through their website or email.