TODAY’S Nostalgia spread is topical, given the welcome news that outdoor sport can resume this month.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined his roadmap for the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions and confirmed outdoor activities can restart from March 29.

That news will be a major boost for the many thousands of adults and children who have missed their fix of sporting fun in the last year.

Jumping with joy - these boys are put through their paces doing some plyometric exercises

Jumping with joy - these boys are put through their paces doing some plyometric exercises

And hopefully it won’t be long before we see more images like the ones on this spread.

All bar one of these pictures date back to 2001 and were taken by long-serving and well-known athletics coach John Hyland.

Mr Hyland put on athletics fitness training sessions for the Sporting U’s organisation, within the grounds of Essex University. He said: “As you can see from the pictures, the sheer joy of youngsters working together and being fit and healthy is there for all to see.

Uphill battle - these boys push themselves during a testing hill session

Uphill battle - these boys push themselves during a testing hill session

“As a result of the lockdown, the current generation of young people have sadly missed out but there’s light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully we’ll be able to do something like this again soon.”

The Sporting U’s was a programme run by Colchester United, based at the club’s former Layer Road ground.

It encouraged children and families to be involved in sport, arranging leagues and tournaments.

Showing determination - youngsters push themselves going up a tough hill, during this athletics session at the university in 2001

Showing determination - youngsters push themselves going up a tough hill, during this athletics session at the university in 2001

It wasn’t just about football, either.

The Sporting U’s hosted a range of activities including athletics, netball, tennis, mini-tennis, petanque and children’s parties.

Can you spot yourself or anyone you know in any of the pictures?

Were you part of the Sporting U’s?

Fun and games - John Hylands athletics session proved a hit in 2001. Hopefully it wont be long before we start seeing scenes like this again

Fun and games - John Hyland's athletics session proved a hit in 2001. Hopefully it won't be long before we start seeing scenes like this again

We’d love to hear your memories and, even better, see your old pictures.

Email matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk and join our We grew up in Colchester and Tendring Facebook group.

We can do it - children jostle for position during one of the activity sessions at Essex University

We can do it - children jostle for position during one of the activity sessions at Essex University

Three cheers - delighted Market Field School pupils, who took part in an inter-schools athletics event at the Colchester Garrison track in 2017

Three cheers - delighted Market Field School pupils, who took part in an inter-schools athletics event at the Colchester Garrison track in 2017

READ MORE: