Most kids don’t want the school holidays to end, but for Canterbury-Bankstown Twilight Sports participants getting back to school means getting back to playing their favourite sport.

The Twilight Sports program is a non-competitive, seven-week sports program for children aged 12-18 years and runs during the school terms on Friday or Saturday nights.

For 12-year-old Zain, the Twilight Sports program, is a chance to catch up with his mates to play Indoor Soccer.

“I look forward to having something to do every weekend,” Zain said.

“I love that we get to try different types of sport, but I love playing soccer the most.”

Zain’s brother, Haret has also been heavily involved in the program for about seven years and said the culture at Twilight Sports is what keeps him coming back.

“I never knew how to shoot a basketball and now because of the culture and people at Twilight Sports, I am confident enough to join in on any game,” Heret said.

“The volunteers were always welcoming and helped me learn, so the moment I turned 19 and was too old to participate I decided to volunteer and give back to the community.”

Apart from the fitness, friendships and fun, the Twilight Sports Program also includes free dinner, uniforms, pick up from two local train stations and transport home.

In between playing sport, participants also take part in life skills workshops, which cover topics like cyber bullying and the risks of taking drugs and alcohol. This year, the local Police will also be coming on board for a Q&A workshop with young people.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the program is designed to engage local youth through sport in a safe and supervised environment.

“Twilight Sports aims to get young people away from the screens and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“At the same time, the program builds self-esteem and resilience with positive role models and gives them access to local support services.”

Twilight Sports will return on Friday 17 May-28 June with Indoor Soccer at Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre, Riverwood. The program costs $29 per participant, or $30 per family, and is refundable with 100 per cent attendance.

Volunteers are needed to help run the program as team managers, assistants, bus drivers and navigators.

To get involved as a player or volunteer, visit cb.city/TwilightSports