Free footy sessions kick off at new venue in Telford and Wrekin
Free football sessions, aimed at getting young people off the streets, are being rolled out further across Telford and Wrekin.
The weekly sessions, delivered by professional coaches, have been running in Dawley, Madeley, Stirchley, Oakengates, Horsehay and Lightmoor and AFC Telford United and will launch in Lawley this Friday (23 February).
The goal is to provide a safe space for girls and boys to enjoy playing sport and making friends.
Previously known as Friday night football, and now called AFC Telford United Kicks, the programme initially launched in 2022 using funding from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Building Safer and Stronger Communities project. Sessions have expanded to also run on a Monday and Thursday evening.
The sessions in Lawley are aimed at 12-16-year-olds and are being made possible through Telford & Wrekin Councillors’ Pride fund and levelling up money from the government.
Supported by qualified coaches from AFC Telford United, these sessions will run on a Friday, from 6.30pm-7.30pm, at Lawley Village Primary Academy, in Bryce Way. Children can just turn up and take part.
Councillor Kelly Middleton (Lab), Cabinet Member for Healthy, Safer & Stronger Communities and Partnerships said:
“It’s great news that we are offering more kids the chance to enjoy a kickabout for free.
“Projects like this are about giving our young people the freedom to meet up and socialise in a safe and inclusive environment.
“I’d like to thank the coaches at AFC Telford United for giving their time to run these sessions and for motivating and inspiring our young players.
“The Safer and Stronger Communities team continues to work hard to identify opportunities like this to help make the borough a safe place where people of all ages can thrive.”
Ward councillors Erin Aston and Luke Lewis said:
“We’re delighted to have used our Pride money allocation to help fund the rollout of the free football sessions to Lawley.
“The sessions are a brilliant way for both girls and boys to get together, have fun and learn new skills under the guidance of professionals.
“It’s giving young people in Lawley the opportunity to get active and enjoy sport whether they are new to it or experienced.”
Ian Preece, AFC Telford United Foundation Director added:
“I’m really pleased to see our football sessions reaching even more youngsters. They are a positive way for them to spend their time and benefit from physical activity and teamwork.
“These grassroots football clubs often lay the groundwork for future stars, so I look forward to seeing young people flourish and who knows, maybe go on to enjoy a professional career in football.”
Other sessions taking place. No need to book, just turn up.
•Madeley 3G – Mondays, 4.30pm-5.30pm, 12+
•Stirchley 3G – Thursdays, 5pm-6pm and 6pm-7pm, under 12s
•Oakengates 3G – Thursdays, 5pm-6pm, 12+
•Dawley 3G – Fridays, 5pm-6pm, 12+
•AFC Telford United Goal Zone – Fridays, 5pm-6pm, 12+
•Lightmoor & Horsehay Multi-Use Games Area – Fridays, 6pm-7pm for under 12s and 7pm-8pm, 12-16 years
Photo: Ward councillors for Lawley, Erin Aston and Luke Lewis,with Tom Wellings, AFC Telford United Foundation Manager, far left, and IanPreece, AFC Telford United Foundation Director, far right, with Jack Turner.
