THE number of kids taking part in new sports is skyrocketing, says Council.

Cr Jacob Madsen said those taking part in the Active Kids program had increased by 218 percent compared to this time last year.

“There were more than 5,000 participants compared with last year’s nearly 1,600,” Cr Madsen said.

“Council added 79 additional activities this year, with thousands more children taking them up.”

The program allows children to try a sport before committing.

“Sport can be expensive, and this program provides a gateway for young people to try it out at low or no cost before committing fully,” Cr Madsen said.

The Active Kids program offers more than 40 activities in 20 Ipswich suburbs.

Activities include athletics, NRL, cricket, gymnastics, BMX, fishing, soccer and rugby union.

Cr Madsen said council wanted to improve the program further by developing more activities with its partners.

“Council has recognised opportunities for further development and delivery of more classes, events and activities so we will work on that in the future,” Cr Madsen said.

The Active Kids program breaks for Christmas on December 15.