No-strings footie sessions kick off in March
New drop-in footie sessions are set to kick off in Plymouth this month for all 14 to 19 year olds across the city, with no long-term commitment required – just turn up and play when you fancy.
Plymouth City Council’s Youth Services and Sports Development Unit have teamed up with Devon Football Association to secure £9,600 funding from Sport England to deliver a ‘Just Football’ project for young people in Plymouth.
The project will provide a network of Just Football sessions for young people to take part in informal football activities and will also support them to access leadership and coaching qualifications, which could lead to volunteering opportunities through Devon Football Association.
Howard Shaddick from Devon FA said: “Through Just Football, we aim to promote unity and ambition between youth service users aged 14-19 years old. This funding will allow us to take football to young people’s doorsteps, providing opportunities for a quality playing experience, coach education and leadership mentoring, which is truly exciting.”
The aim of the project is to target young people who are not currently taking part in organised, competitive football and support them to get involved in the Just Football turn-up and play sessions at youth centres and community sports spaces near to their homes.
As part of the project, which has funding for one year, there will be structured football tournaments for the young people to take part in and information available about other football opportunities across the city.
Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This is a brilliant initiative that enables young people to enjoy football with friends without the long-term commitments of joining a club or league for those who may only want to play occasionally. It will not only help to occupy their time in the evenings but will keep them active too.”
The partnership aims to tackle the levels of anti-social behaviour throughout the city, by using qualified football coaches and Youth Workers to over-see sessions. Staff will work together to offer a positive activity to help young people make informed decisions about the use of their leisure time.
Carrie King, Senior Youth Support Worker for the Council, said: “We’re also pleased to announce a new session for young people aged 16 to 19 starting at Goals Soccer Centre on Friday 7 March from 7 to 9pm, with the Mars FA Just Play. Sessions are £2 per player and will provide new opportunities for young people in playing, coaching and developing the game, in line with the Just Football project.”
The Just Football project starts in March 2014 and will run for one year. For more information, please contact 01752 307008 or email sportsdev@plymouth.gov.uk
