Free pop-up events and sports masterclasses begin in Leicester

A series of free sports “masterclasses” and pop-up events are taking place at Highcross from this weekend. Ahead of the Paris Olympics starting two weeks on Friday, Highcross in Leicester is holding masterclasses on football, basketball and yoga.

In addition to these sessions, shoppers are encouraged to test their own sporting skills at the centre’s themed pop-ups, also found in St Peter’s Square, which include a mini outdoor running track, football nets for penalty shootouts and table tennis.

Visitors will need to provide their own rackets and footballs for these pop-ups. Starting today (Saturday 13 July), the first masterclass will be a freestyle football session hosted by professional freestyler Stephen Gray, who will provide technique lessons and trick tips.

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This runs from 11am to 4pm. On Wednesday (July 17) from 1pm to 4pm, trainers from the Leicester Riders Foundation will be at the centre to “give shoppers the chance to take part in a fun shoot-out so they can perfect their jump shots and nail alley-oops,” a Highcross spokesperson said.

Finally, on Friday (July 19), the team behind Leicester yoga and pilates studio Ufit Thrive will be showing shoppers a range of “breathing, balance and posture techniques”. The session will run from 1pm to 2pm.

Jo Tallack, senior general manager at Highcross, said: “Since mid-June, the country has been gripped by the pure joy of sport – from the Euros in Germany to Wimbledon in London. And we’ve seen the people of Leicester get caught up in the action.

“So we wanted to bring some of that fitness craze closer to home, giving them an opportunity to get active this summer. We’re delighted to be able to bring together a range of sports experts, with masterclasses across a range of disciplines, from football and basketball to yoga and pilates – so there’s something here for everyone, no matter their age, ability or passion.”

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