Street football is back
Top of the range football facilities opened once again, free of charge to young people aged 12-16, thanks to an initiative aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour from January 5.
The sessions, called AFC Telford Kicks sessions are currently being held at the following venues:
Mondays
- Madeley 3G - 4.30-5.30pm (What3words location) (From 12 February)
Thursdays
- Stirchley 3G - 5-6pm + 6-7pm (What3words)
- Oakengates 3G –5-6pm (What3words) (From 15 February)
Fridays
- Dawley 3G – 5-6pm (What3words)
- AFC Telford United Goal Zone 5-6pm (What3words)
- Lightmoor MUGA U12s 6-7pm and 7-8pm 12-16 (What3words)
Professional coaches from the club host the sessions at no cost to the players, providing a safe place for them to meet. Police will attend some of the sessions to help build relationships and offer support should players be experiencing any issues.
Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for healthy, safer & stronger communities and partnerships said: “One of the best places for young people to be is hanging out with friends – these sessions provide a place that is supported by professionals and allows them the freedom to be themselves and off the streets in a safe place.
“Projects like this mean young people are supported and having something fun to do with their friends is a good way to help them channel their energy into something positive.”
Telford and Wrekin Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities project has provided funding and help facilitate the sessions which were previously called ‘Friday Night Football’ – the Dawley session has continued since the original scheme launch.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, said: “Sport has a unique power of bringing communities together so it’s great to see street football is giving young people in Telford & Wrekin another opportunity to get involved.
“Not only are the sessions fun and free, but they are a brilliant opportunity for young people to enjoy football in a safe environment and get the support they need to steer away from committing crime.”
The Lightmoor session is supported by ward member and Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Engagement, Equalities & Civic Pride, Councillor Raj Mehta and Stirchley
Neighbourhood coordinators for the Safer & Stronger Communities project is always looking for ways to work with people at a local level and to support schemes that will make a difference – get in touch with the team at Saferstronger@Telford.gov.uk
