YOUNG footballers in Redditch are being given a chance to shine with the launch of a new community project.
Following a six-week pilot project in Church Hill, Redditch United Football Club is launching a new weekly club for youngsters to play the game.
It’s the second ‘satellite club’ of its kind in Redditch, and is designed to encourage budding footballers living in the Church Hill area to take part in the new sessions at Church Hill Middle School every Tuesday night, from 5pm to 7pm
The initiative, part of a wider Sport England-funded programme, aims to reduce anti social behaviour and crime in young people, as well as improve their health and social skills.
The six-week trial was backed by Church Hill Big Local and the Reds are hoping to repeat the success of its first club in Matchborough, where more than 30 children regularly meet at the RSA Academy.
Ruth Jones of Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire, said: “Redditch United has gone above and beyond by providing the expertise of their coaches, allowing young people to attend games at the ground and lending their facilities for use in community tournaments, all adding to the overall experience for young people, who typically would not have access to these opportunities.”
Club chairman, Chris Swan, added: “I am thrilled this project has proved successful so far and Redditch United will continue to play a pivotal role, lending all the support and resources we have available.
“We want to encourage young people to participate in sport and physical activity – perhaps we’ll discover the next Redditch United number nine along the way.”
n Tickets costing £25 are now on-sale FOR a Sports Evening with former Jamaican international and Reds first-team manager, Darren Byfield.
All funds raised will be donated to Redditch United in the Community. Email David Tittershill on [email protected] or call 01527 67450.
