Sheffield youth project gets £4K to kick off football sessions fund for football project

A youth group in has received 4,680 from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner to provide football sessions. The funding, which wasawarded from the Commissioners community grant scheme,has been used by an organisation called Forge Youth to provide a nine month footballproject for young people aged 11 to 17. Pictured are Chris Nall of Forge Youth, South Yorkshire Police and Crime CommissionerAlan Billings andSam Evansof Forge Youth.

The funding, which was awarded from the Commissioner’s community grant scheme, has been used by an organisation called Forge Youth to provide a nine month football project for young people aged 11 to 17.

The project has brought together 200 young people from the Upperthorpe, Hillsborough, Winn Gardens, Crookes, Crosspool and Nether Edge areas of Sheffield to the football pitches based at Goodwin Sports Centre.

Attendees to the free sessions form their own groups which are entered into a league which includes 21 teams. Many of the young people involved not only play football,but also help with managing their own teams and refereeing.

The matches are fun and competitive and aimed at promoting teamwork and health and wellbeing.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: ““Forge Youth are providing diversionary activities in Sheffield for young people who might otherwise be on the street with little to do.

“I particularly welcome the way the young people take some responsibility for managing activities. The project provides free football sessions for young people from families who may be struggling to afford club fees and subs.

“It gives young people an enjoyable time and they learn some important skills as well.”

Forge Youth support children and young people across Sheffield.

Sam Evans, from Forge Youth said: “We are very thankful for the support that the Police and Crime Commissioner has provided which has enabled us to engage with hundreds of young people on Friday evenings this year.

“The league has been running for over ten years now and it is great to see the young people grow and mature through the football sessions.”

The free football sessions take place on a Friday evening 5pm and 8pm at Goodwin Sports Centre, Northumberland Road.

For more information on Forge Youth and how to get involved with the 5-a-side football league, please visit www.forgeyouth.com/scyl. Email [email protected] for more information.