Take it to the Streets Expands Free Sports Sessions Across Brisbane North

More than 130 young people aged 13 to 18 have joined free training sessions run by the Take it to the Streets program as it moves through Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

The effort targets at-risk youth by placing regular activities directly in local parks rather than requiring families to travel or pay fees. Organisers say the approach helps participants build routines and links them to support services when needed.

Northern Suburbs Rollout

Sessions have already finished at Mulbean Park in Boondall. Further rounds took place at Zillmere in December and January, with Bracken Ridge running from January to March, North Lakes from March to May and Chermside from May to June. The same model brings coaching staff and equipment to each site so young people can drop in without prior bookings.

Project staff report an average of 22 participants at each session. Activities rotate through 3x3 basketball, 3v3 soccer, pickleball, Boxfit and Esports to keep interest high across different groups.

Links to Police and Mentoring

The program operates under the Youth Development Partnership Fund, a joint initiative of the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland Police Service. Officers attend some sessions to build informal contact with participants.

Mentoring forms part of every block, focusing on confidence, emotional regulation and community ties. Staff note visible changes in how some young people speak and lead activities by the end of a program cycle.

The work continues through Made Concepts, the group delivering the sessions. Details on upcoming northern Brisbane dates appear on the organisation’s site at www.madeconceptspty.com and on the Queensland Government sport portal at sport.qld.gov.au.