Trash Free Trails’ TrashMob Academy is now underway
Following on from the success of the Trash Free Trails' TrashMob Academy pilot scheme, the community-focused, non-profit organisation is hosting a series of exciting taster sessions this summer.
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TFT is inviting teachers, mountain biking (MTB) coaches and leaders, local authority representatives and parents together at iconic MTB locations in the UK to learn MTB skills, connect with nature and develop their wellbeing. From Sunday 15th August, the series will showcase a brand-new initiative ahead of the official rollout.
If you're not already familiar with Trash Free Trails, the organisation calls for outdoor enthusiasts, including runners, riders and other trail-users, to help protect our trails. Their mission is to reduce plastic pollution on our trails and wild places by 75% by 2025. To achieve this, the TFT team actively campaigns for industry engagement and innovation while empowering riders and motivating the community to do their part.
Trash Free Trails has since launched the TrashMob Academy, which seeks to improve youth self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing through the development of 'nature connection'. Using mountain biking as a catalyst for changing attitudes towards the environment and single-use pollution, the pilot scheme has been a roaring success amongst youth groups throughout the UK.
What does the Taster Session involve?
For youths to make the most of interventions such a the TrashMob Academy, influencers in their lives must be involved too. TFT invites teachers, coaches, local authorities and parents to come along and discover what the scheme is all about. Ride bikes with qualified leaders from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, British Cycling and Bike Park Wales, connect to nature, and of course, collect some single-use pollution on the way!
Representatives from TFT HQ, their ambassador team, or A-TEAM for short, and coaching partners will all be in attendance so that everyone has a fun, safe and informative day out on the trails and in the outdoor 'classroom'.
When and where you can attend a free taster session
Sunday 15th August with Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland - MBCoS, Peel Tower, Glentress EH45 8NB
Monday 16th August with Cotic Bikes - Parkwood Springs, 57 Cooks Wood Rd, Sheffield S3 9AA
Wednesday 18th August - Bike Park Wales, Gethin Woodland Centre, Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1YZ
At Glentress and Bike Park Wales, attendees are requested to arrive at 09:30 for a 10:00 start, and each session will aim to finish in time for lunch - ish (around 13:00).
For the Parkwood Springs Taster Day, attendees are requested to arrive at 1600 for a 1630 start and will aim to finish in time for dinner - ish (around 1900)
There are a very limited number of spaces! So If this sounds like something you and your school/club/organisation might be interested in, contact the Trash Free Trails team: projects@trashfreetrails.org