Our city is home to the UK's first PLAYCE
PLAYCE Pompey is a versatile and colourful multi-movement activity space, designed to get the community moving.
Based on a pioneering scientific model for movement developed in the Netherlands, our PLAYCE was built to be accessible for people of all ages and skill levels, including those with disabilities. There is no separate play areas for different groups, but an integrated activity space for all.
Our PLAYCE is a space where residents can get together, to not only be physically active but engage in play and games. The most novel part of it is that the space is designed with the community in mind. Our overall aim is to encourage a more fun, active lifestyle for people in the surrounding area.
PLAYCE Pompey Team and collaborators.
Aerial image of PLAYCE Pompey.
PLAYCE Pompey sign.
What is a PLAYCE?
The PLAYCE concept was developed in the Netherlands, where more than 40 PLAYCEs and 'Skill Gardens' (the larger version of a PLAYCE) have been built in schools, hospitals, sport clubs and public spaces.
Each PLAYCE is based on the principles of the Athletic Skills Model (ASM), a scientifically-grounded Dutch framework for sport, physical education, healthcare, art and culture.
PLAYCE designs are laid out to facilitate ten basic but versatile forms of movement - including balancing, climbing, throwing and jumping - known as the ASM’s Fundamental 10!
As well as movement quantity (how much time you spend moving), ASM focuses heavily on movement quality (how well you move). There are thousands of certified ASM practitioners in the UK and around the world, including elite and amateur sports coaches, PE teachers, dance instructors and healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists.
People of all ages and abilities can use a PLAYCE activity space, from elite and amateur athletes to grassroots sport teams, exercise classes to those simply looking to improve their lifestyles by moving more.
What does PLAYCE Pompey offer?
- A colourful outdoor activity space purpose-built to get people moving by challenging them to think outside the box when it comes to physical activity.
- A space for the local community to exercise and socialise, including schools, sports clubs, health centres, sports coaches and carers carrying out training or exercise programmes.
- Athletic Skills Model (ASM) training for a number of local exercise professionals so they can help people make the most of the space, thanks to additional funding from Portsmouth City Council’s community infrastructure levy fund.
PLAYCE Pompey Activities Schedule
In partnership with organisations in our city, our PLAYCE will offer free activities to our community.
Check our social media for the calendar of events:
PLAYCE Pompey Grand Opening
Portsmouth City Council Lords Mayor Jason Fazackarley: Thanks for coming
today to the grand Opening of the Playce Pompey.
Crowd: Three, two, one.
Before & After
The new space took the community views underpinned by a theoretical framework into aiming to:
- Improve visibility by removing the current walls
- Reduce ball noise by installing sound-deadening fences
- Install soft surface instead of tarmac
- Create more opportunities to do different movements in the space – not only a football court
- Improve accessibility
- Create more seating areas
The Portsmouth PLAYCE team and partners
Project leads
Our partners
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Portsmouth City Council
Housing, Neighbourhood and Buildings Directorate
Public Health Directorate within Portsmouth City Council
Gail Mann PhD - Research Development Lead
-
The Athletic Skills Model (ASM) Company
Prof Dr Geert Savelsbergh - ASM co-founder and Professor at VU Amsterdam
Rene Wormhoudt - ASM co-founder and S&C Coach KNVB (Dutch Men's Football Team)
-
South Western Railway Community Fund
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