Peterborough Lions FC CIC and Roots & Rise provide inclusive football, sports, music, arts, wellbeing and youth activities, creating a safe, supportive space where children and young people can build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing and make positive choices.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- it provides a safe, welcoming space where children and young people can take part in positive activities, build confidence, reduce social anxiety and develop self-esteem;
- football, multi-sports, boxing and other active sessions encourage movement, fitness and healthy lifestyles while making physical activity enjoyable and accessible;
- it gives young people opportunities to meet others, develop friendships, learn teamwork and communication skills, and feel part of a supportive community.
"Sometimes all someone needs is a place to go, someone to believe in them, and a opportunity to make a different choice."
How to contact
Where to go
Roots and Rise
Queensgate Shopping Centre
Peterborough PE1 1NT
What to expect
Roots & Rise operates an open-door activity space where children aged 8 and over can attend independently, with parental/guardian permission. For £5, attendees receive a wristband which allows them to take part in the activities available throughout the day until they close. Activities can include football, multi-sports, music, arts and crafts, table tennis, pool, boxing and other positive activities. They also offer funded (free) sessions during the week, which are advertised on their activity posters on social media.
When attending, everyone must sign in so that staff can safely monitor who is using the space. Once signed in, attendees receive their wristband.
The team recommend contacting them beforehand to confirm availability, particularly for activities that require pre-booking or have limited spaces.
If you are new to Roots and Rise, a member of the team will be available to welcome and greet you, explain how the centre works, show you the activities available, and introduce you to the team and other participants. Anyone who feels nervous about attending for the first time can contact them beforehand so they can answer questions and help make your first visit as comfortable as possible.
The activities are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to beginners. No previous experience or particular skills are required. Participants can choose activities that suit their interests, confidence and ability.
The £5 open-door wristband allows attendees to participate in the available activities throughout the day until the centre closes.
Funded and pre-booked sessions have specific times, which are advertised in advance.
More information
The open-door model allows attendees flexibility to participate in activities at their own pace. You can take breaks and leave when you wish, subject to the centre's sign-in and safeguarding procedures. The open-door sessions are available to children and young people aged 8 and over, with parental/guardian permission where required. Some funded sessions may have specific age or eligibility criteria, which will be clearly stated on the activity poster.
Some activities may require advance booking due to limited spaces.
Roots & Rise is located within Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough. Visitors should follow the Queensgate signage and look for the Roots & Rise / Peterborough Lions FC CIC Activity Hub. The video on this page shows where it is and what it looks like inside.
There is parking available within the Queensgate multi-story car parks, which have a cost. The main Peterborough bus station terminal is also just outside Queensgate.
Toilet facilities, including accessible ones, are available within the venue and also in Queensgate Shopping Centre. Baby-changing facilities are also available within the shopping centre.
Staff aim to make Roots & Rise as accessible and inclusive as possible. The venue is accessible to wheelchair users, and activities can be adapted to suit individual needs wherever possible. Anyone with specific accessibility requirements is encouraged to contact them before attending so they can discuss their needs and make suitable arrangements. Assistance dogs are welcome.
No specialist equipment is required for most sessions as Roots & Rise provide the equipment needed. Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear should be worn, particularly for sports activities. For football, sports and boxing sessions, appropriate trainers and comfortable sportswear are recommended.
Refreshments may be available during some funded activities and events. For general open-door sessions, attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks. Participants should bring a refillable water bottle, particularly for sports activities.
Where activities are outdoors, they monitor weather conditions and will make appropriate arrangements if the weather becomes unsafe. Activities may be moved indoors, adapted or cancelled if necessary. Participants will be informed of any significant changes.
Some weekday afternoon activities are funded and therefore free. At the time this page was published, these are:
- Monday 4-6pm Music and Art
- Wednesday 4-6pm all activities excluding Boxing
- Friday 4-6pm Football
Find current activities and schedules on their social media links, or email [email protected]
£5 cash or card payment for other drop-in activities.
If parents/guardians/carers also participate, they also need to pay £5 each; if they are spectating, it is £2 each.
How to contact
Where to go
Roots and Rise
Queensgate Shopping Centre
Peterborough PE1 1NT
