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Youngsters urged to take part in police football scheme

Posted on 14/05/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Youngsters urged to take part in police football scheme

Footballers in Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston are being encouraged to take part in a soccer scheme set up by the local policing unit.

Local officers have been awarded £7,600 grant from the Football Foundation to set up the three year scheme – but they are now urging local youngsters to take part in the footy project!

The money will allow the Oadby and Wigston local policing unit to run a scheme that focuses on getting  youngsters off the street and involved in positive activities to channel their energy. 

There will also be opportunities to learn new skills like coaching, as well as the chance to make a career in the footballing world! 

Neighbourhood beat officer PC Andy Raybould said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet new friends, and above all, play regular football. With this cash we are going to set up a three year training programme for male and female youngsters aged 11 to 14 and another group of 15 to 18 year olds.

“Professional coaches funded by the Premier League’s FA will be on hand to teach football skills, but also to give youngsters an insight into how to become a coach.”

The Oadby and Wigston Football Foundation project started at Beauchamp College last Friday, 8 May. The first group are made up of 11-14 year olds and will be running from 6pm–7pm. A 15-18 year old age group will run from 7pm-8pm.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £40m budget going straight into the heart of football.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “We warmly congratulate the Local Sport & Active Recreation Alliance and the local FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.

“Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. It is thanks to the funding from our partners the Premier League, The FA and Government that the Football Foundation exists to support this type of excellent project in Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston.”

 For more information about the local police’s football scheme please contact Linda Spencer, Wigston Local Policing Unit, Bull Head Street. Wigston Tel 0116 222 2222 Ext 5421. She will be able to provide consent forms. Please also bring shin pads along to the training session.