Beat the Street is coming to Merton
AFC Wimbledon Foundation are encouraging participants and local families to join Merton Council’s Beat the Street initiative, which incentivises people to become more physically and socially active.
How to play Beat the Street!
A popular interactive game that encourages people to walk, cycle and wheel is set to launch in Merton. The game is free and open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Merton and will take place across the borough from Wednesday 15 March to Wednesday 26 April.
Beat the Street was created by GP Dr William Bird to encourage people to explore their local areas and to make exercise fun. It is part of the Actively Merton programme, which supports people to be more physically and socially active, delivered in a way that residents want it.
More than 1.5 million people have played Beat the Street so far, in more than 120 locations across the UK, including Glasgow, Llanelli, Sheffield and Torbay. It has been designed to get communities to become more active and to make small lifestyle changes, such as walking or cycling to school or work more often.
Beat the Street has a significant impact on increasing levels of physical activity among adults and children. It also helps reduce congestion, improving air quality, and helps families spend time together, exploring local green spaces.
To play, children use a special tap card and paper map, which will be distributed by participating primary schools. Adults can pick up their free card from one of Merton’s libraries or leisure centres. Players over the age of 13 can download the free Beat the Street app to play the game by tapping their phone. Players tap Beat Boxes, installed on lampposts and other street furniture around the borough - the more you tap, the more points you score!
Beat the Street Merton has been commissioned by Merton Council and NHS South West London with support from the National Lottery via Sport England. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.
More information will be available at www.beatthestreet.me/merton and on social media at @BTSMerton
AFC Wimbledon Foundation is dedicated to inspiring active lifestyles in local children. The benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are well-known. It can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases s, improve mental health and well-being, and boost energy levels. However, many people struggle to find the motivation to exercise regularly. Beat the Street offers an innovative and fun solution to this problem, encouraging people to be more active while exploring their local area.
You can join the AFC Wimbledon Foundation team when you sign up and potentially win prizes!
To find out more about how we inspire active lifestyles in local children, please click the button below.