Allerton Grange Fields has played host to a football coaching programme which has been supported and funded by the Roundhay ward councillors. The coaching programme provides FREE football and fitness activities for young people in North East Leeds.
The coaching programme is organised by Leeds City Council’s Youth Service team, and delivered in partnership with Leeds United Foundation. The football coaching programme is targeted at young people aged 11- 17 and takes place every Thursday 6pm- 8pm, at Allerton Grange Fields off Lidgett Lane. As a result of engaging in this project up to 40 young people have benefitted.
“The Leeds United Foundation is excited to be providing opportunities for children and young people to engage in sporting activities within disadvantaged communities. By working with Leeds City Council we are able to develop programmes that work towards reducing anti-social behaviour, alcohol mis-use, drugs mis-use, knife crime and many more low level crime activities that are highlighted within the community” said Michael Kinsey, Operations Manager at The Leeds United Foundation
This project offers young people an opportunity to build their confidence and self-esteem and motivation, and encourages them to adopt healthier lifestyles. The youth work team enables young people to aspire to learn new skills, engage in learning how to organise activities, communication and working as a team and respecting others.
Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families said: “Partnerships like this are a fantastic way of providing young people with opportunities within their own community. By working with the Leeds United Foundation we can help raise aspiration in young people who have faced challenges in their lives, as well as helping to build skills, not only in sports, but in teamwork and important life-skills for their future success.”
The vision is to build safer, stronger, more respectful communities through involving young people to become active citizens within their community.
“Friends of Allerton Grange Fields are delighted to partner with The Youth Service and Leeds United Foundation on this exciting coaching programme for young people in North Leeds” said Bhupinder Dev, Chair of Allerton Grange Fields “Former Leeds United football legends David Batty and Brian Deane have graced the sports pitches at Allerton Grange Fields during their youth as they were both ex Allerton Grange School pupils, so it’s great to work with Leeds United to develop future stars!”.
Roundhay Ward Councillor Christine Macniven added,
“It is an absolute joy to see this formerly unused, desolate space transformed through the huge endeavour of the Friends of Allerton Grange Fields into such a successful community facility. The multi-agency sporting activities are hugely popular, and we are delighted to see LCC Youth Service officers and Leeds United Foundation working in partnership to deliver such a successful programme for the young people of Roundhay and Moortown”
For further information on the Leeds United Foundation Youth Football programme at Allerton Grange Fields contact Lynne Cherry, Leeds City Council Youth Service on;
lynne.cherry@leeds.gov.uk
