Student Matthew launches his '˜couch potato' attack

Matthew Mooney, 20, wants young people to get off the sofa and discover what physical exercise can do for them.

So he has joined forces with Fixers – the national charity that gives young people a voice – to make a poster to get his message across.

Matthew is encouraging youngsters to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle in line with the Public Health Agency’s recommendation for kids to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

He says: ‘In the school holidays, my friends and I used to be out playing street football until it was dark. Looking back, it seems like that’s all we did.

‘Not only was it a healthy way to spend our time, but it gave us something to do.

‘Young people these days are quite lucky as there are loads of different sports clubs they can join.

‘I think parents can play a big role by encouraging their children to go along and try something that will benefit them.

‘Even if it’s for fun, give it a go. You never know what might come of it.’

Matthew, who is currently studying media production at North West Regional College, hopes to display his poster in local schools and youth centres.

Fixers works with young people aged 16-25 by providing them with professional resources to help them campaign on issues they feel strongly about.

For more info, check out www.fixers.org.uk