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Olympic medalist Rebecca Adlington is opening a new swimming pool for kids in Leeds
""It has been a joy to watch a new swim facility take shape in Yorkshire, and I hope it encourages local children to learn to love the water as much as I do.”
A new purpose-built facility on Frontier Business Park in Batley (just fifteen minutes from Leeds city centre) will open on Saturday 7 May thanks to four Olympic medalist, Rebecca Adlington OBE and will cater for families with children aged 0 - 11.
The centre is thought to have been designed to offer a unique swimming journey for both babies and children and is set to include modern amenities like a 31 degree warm pool, parent and guest viewing lounge, kids play area, online progress tracking and fun swimming lessons.
Best of all, there's no current waiting lists and upon opening, lessons will run every day of the week, some of which will initially come free of charge.
Named Swim! Leeds Batley, introduction sessions for all children will be available free of charge from Saturday 7th May, with official swimming lessons starting on Monday 16th May.
Double Olympic medalist Rebecca Adlington has been behind the development, as co-founder of Sporting House, a group of Olympian-led brands, which includes swim!, SwimStars and Beth Tweddle Gymnastics.
The athlete has a number of swim-related businesses that help children to access swimming pools. / Image: Becky Adlington's Swim Stars
Becky Adlington is a decorated athlete that's become a household name and an inspiration for young swimmers across the UK since her rise to fame at the 2008 Olympic games.
With a staggering number of accolades to her name, the athlete hopes to encourage little Yorkshire folk to "take the plunge and discover their love for swimming".
The new centre will provide an opportunity for children in Batley the opportunity to do just that- but learning the incredible life skill in the water can also aid additional development skills like confidence, determination, resilience and social skills too.
The new Batley pool is just one of the efforts that the decorated swimmer has made to ensure that children of all ages, abilities and background are able to access swimming lessons.
Speaking about Swim! Leeds Batley, the Becky Adlington commented: “As schools and leisure facilities closed and the pandemic left children with less spaces to get active, we needed to take action and give kids the chance to get moving, socialise with others and hopefully discover a new hobby.“
"Swimming is also an essential life-saving skill and we are determined to break down barriers, whether that be a lack of facilities, teachers or lesson availability, to make sure swimming is accessible for all children.“
"With the opening of the new Batley centre, children will not only learn to swim, but will gain a whole host of transferable skills sure to benefit them as they grow up.
"It has been a joy to watch a new swim facility take shape in Yorkshire, and I hope it encourages local children to learn to love the water as much as I do.”
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
A brand-new frozen yoghurt bar is set to open in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley very soon.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok girlies, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.m
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and although we don't have a confirmed opening date we've got a feeling they'll be 'scooping' very soon.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Sophie Smith -
28th April 2022 
