A WEEKLY football club promoted by Redditch United in the Community has received official backing from new corporate sponsors Protex.
The satellite club session at the Arrow Vale Academy, Matchborough was held with the trust’s new project manager and sports coach Ryan Kettle whose post has been created from the funding provided by the Lakeside-based fastener firm.
The aim of the trust is to work with local organisations to cut anti social behaviour and other issues by setting up projects for young people.
The Matchborough satellite club is for young people aged 14 to 19 and provides them with positive role models, as well as great sporting experiences.
Ryan was joined on the night by representatives of Redditch United FC, Protex, the Police, Borough Council and Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, who all play a role in running the club.
Together they handed out new Protex red club T-shirts to the teenagers.
Ryan said: “I am very fortunate to be in such a fantastic role at the club, which has only been possible thanks to Protex.
“As a Redditch lad I am very motivated to ‘paint the town red’ and give children, young people and families a better future.”
Inspector Mark Chappell, who is responsible for local policing in Redditch, said: “It was great to attend the session and see so many young footballers enjoying themselves.
“Particularly, it was rewarding to see them presented their Redditch United in the Community T-shirts kindly sponsored by Protex and the culmination of the trusts’ partners ongoing work to provide sporting activities to prevent crime and anti social behaviour.”
Ryan will oversee the satellite sessions for the next 12 months.
Since taking up the role he has already established Wednesday night street dance sessions in Matchborough for those at risk of or who have fallen out of secondary school education and new dodgeball sessions.
