PARKOUR SKILLS OFFERED BY THE URBAN MOVEMENT ACADEMY IN FARINGDON PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH MORE THAN JUST EXERCISE!

Over recent years the number of young people suffering with mental health problems has increased significantly and for those waiting to receive any form of NHS treatment, the wait can be long and distressing. To ease the pressure of that lengthy wait, research has shown that physical activity is an effective way for many young people to manage their mental health, without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical medication. Regular exercise also reduces the likelihood of re-occurrence and relapse whilst reducing the longer term risk of physical health conditions and weight gain.

When a young person gets involved in an exercise routine that they enjoy and which also enables them to meet other, like minded youngsters, this can help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and tension. They can increase their self-esteem, their concentration which helps them through their school work, improve their sleep and generally manage their overall physical health and well-being.

If you are looking for a unique and different form of exercise programme for your child or teenager to participate in, have you considered involving them in Parkour?

Here at The Pump House Project we have been running the Urban Movement Academy (UMA) with Parkour classes successfully since 2011, involving young people from all over Oxfordshire. All classes are carried out with fully trained coaches.

Parkour or Free Running was founded in France back in the 1980s. Although this non-competitive physical form of training has grown in popularity, there are only a handful of locations in the South of England where children and young people can participate at an official Parkour Centre – The Pump House Project is one of them with others located in Southampton, London and Cardiff as an example.  Not exactly on the doorstep!

Those taking part in the Urban Movement Academy can train to move freely over and through any terrain using only the abilities of the body, mainly through running, jumping, climbing and quadrupedal movement. The participant focuses on developing the fundamental attributes required for such movement which includes functional strength and fitness, balance, spatial awareness, agility, co-ordination, precision, control and creative vision. As a sport, it encourages self-improvement at all levels – it challenges one’s physical and mental limits but also offers ways to overcome those obstacles. Your child will grow in confidence, determination to succeed and take responsibility for their own actions. They will also learn respect for others and be able to express themselves, be part of a community, discover the joy of play and creativity, all within a monitored safe environment.

The UMA students who attend classes each week at The Pump House Project range in age from 5 to 18 years, but some don’t leave UMA then! With over 60 young people each week training with UMA, often students have gone on to become trained Coaches with Parkour UK.  In fact – 3 of our 4 coaches currently have all been students prior to undertaking their training!

With children as young as 5 starting training with us there is a strong focus on teamwork, despite this being very much a solo sport. They learn to be respectful of each other’s space and learning ability, actively support and encourage each other in their personal achievements and goals which are all transferrable beneficial skills in their school classroom. As the children get more involved over time, for many of the students they take their participation very seriously, building on their commitment to the Academy, the sport and each other. Seeing the older students being able to take the opportunity to train to Level 1 has brought me unprecedented joy and a sense of achievement both for and in them. The commitment and strength of character to undertake the 5 days of training, away from home when training to become an Assistant Coach, sees them going from a teenager to an adult. Practitioners find that what they learn participating in Parkour helps them in their day-to-day lives outside of the sport and helps them cope with whatever their lives bring to them.

The Urban Movement Academy runs on Saturdays from 10.00 am until 3.00 pm. These guided Parkour sessions are for those aged 5 to 18 years. Groups are selected not only by age but also ability to ensure the safety of the participants. Generally, the classes held earlier in the day are attended by the younger children, they run for one hour at a cost of £8. The later classes include students who have, in many cases, been partaking in the sport for some years and enjoy taking time to work on particular moves under the guidance of their coach, with less structured teaching. These classes last for 1.5 hours at a cost of £12.

To book or find out further information about being part of the Urban Movement Academy and Freedom of Movement classes, please email sarah.stoves@thepumphouseproject.org.uk or call the office on 01367 243245.

Age Range
Urban Movement Academy sessions are suitable for children and young people aged 5–18 years.

Sessions are priced between £8–£12 per week, payable termly in advance.

• Group 1: 10:00 – 11:00
  £8 per session
• Group 2: 11:00 – 12:30
  £12 per session
• Group 3: 13:00 – 14:30
  £12 per session

Assessments & Booking

• A free assessment session is required before starting
• Assessment helps us place each child in the most suitable group
• Payment is required in advance and paid termly

To book a free assessment session, please get in contact with us.

Our training develops a wide range of physical skills, including:

• Strength and endurance through body-weight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, hanging, dips, and core work
• Agility, balance, and coordination through precision jumping, vaulting, and controlled movement
• Spatial awareness and confidence by learning how to move safely across different surfaces and heights
• Movement techniques such as wall running, climbing, safe landing and rolling, and smooth transitions between movements
• Creative movement and acrobatics, including spins, flowing movement sequences, and age- and level-appropriate controlled flips

All skills are taught progressively, with safety, correct technique, and individual ability as top priorities.

Urban Movement Academy is non-competitive and inclusive. We focus on personal development, teamwork, and self-belief rather than comparison or pressure.

Sessions are structured yet flexible, allowing students to explore movement creatively while building discipline, focus, and respect for themselves and others.

Training is suitable for complete beginners through to more advanced movers, with exercises adapted to each participant’s age, experience, and confidence level.

A Welcoming Space for Every Child

We understand that joining a new group or trying something unfamiliar can feel daunting and overwhelming, particularly for children who are neurodivergent.

Our coaches are experienced, understanding and adaptable. They take the time to listen to each child’s individual needs, abilities and comfort levels, adapting activities wherever needed.

There is no pressure to keep up or do things a certain way. We allow each child to set their own pace, helping them feel safe, comfortable and supported while they build confidence and enjoy taking part.

Our aim is simple: to create a welcoming environment where every child feels listened to, valued and able to be themselves.

Benefits of Joining

• Builds functional strength that supports everyday movement and sport
• Improves confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills
• Encourages creativity and self-expression through movement
• Develops a strong sense of community, respect, and encouragement
• Accessible and adaptable training using minimal equipment

Urban Movement Academy provides a positive, supportive environment where young people can move, explore, and grow – physically, mentally, and socially.