Back to basics ball deliveries​​​​​​​ in Sheffield spread joy during lockdown

Volunteers from Sheffield community groups determined to spread some joy during the Covid-19 crisis have delivered sports equipment to local neighbourhoods.
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The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association, Sharrow Community Forum, Pitsmoor Adventure Playground and Woodthorpe Tenants and Residents’ Association have all been working around the clock to ensure residents have been able to keep active during lockdown.

The groups decided to deliver footballs, rugby ball and basketballs after workers delivering food and play packs identified that many children did not own a ball or could not afford to buy one.

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Patrick Meleady, forum project adviser, said: “For the sake of not only physical health and fitness but mental and emotional health and fitness too, play and recreation is essential for every child and young person.

“We firmly believe having access to great recreation, play and fun opportunities in our community is now more important than ever, in the emergency situation we are all experiencing.

“Due to the lockdown and the onward need to continue with social distancing, in some ways we need to go back to basics, making it simple to play in the garden or outside and have fun with family members or others in a household.

"We have been busy going out into and supporting communities, making sure that families who need support get it on many different levels.”

So far the team have distributed 75 balls in the community.

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Mr Meleady said: “The feedback on their use is phenomenal, the initiative is making a huge difference to children’s and young people’s wellbeing.”

Former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie, Sheffield FA chairman, said: “It is proving very beneficial and providing access to resources that can and do improve childrens and young people’s lives.”

Areas covered include Sharrow, Woodthorpe and Pitsmoor.

For further information on the scheme, call Dawn Jacques on 0114 250 8384 and leave a message, or email [email protected]

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