Goals galore, team spirit and a healthy dose of sunshine – the perfect night for a football tournament.
You’d think this would be a description of the current World Cup, but this tournament is more exciting and far more impressive. The Fairplay Football scheme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, is changing the way sport is played, making it about growing as an individual and opening the door on new opportunities.
With weekly sessions building up to a quarterly tournament, it brings together young people from all over North East Lincolnshire.
Training is delivered by numerous providers including Oasis Immingham, Grimsby Town Foundation, YMCA, The Trin, Fusion, CPO and Centre 4, hundreds of children have benefited from the project.
In the most recent tournament, held at Clee Fields, West Marsh were the eventual victors after a tough game against Immingham with a penalty shootout splitting the sides.
Winning aside, for the kids who turn up week in week out, it’s about more than just kicking a ball around. Teamwork, determination and social skills are just some of the important lessons they learn whilst taking part.
Providing an outlet for a whole generation and teaching them invaluable life lessons is something Councillor James Sawkins is happy to see. “They learn much more than just how to play football at these events.
“Sports are brilliant for teaching the younger generation new skills and it’s great to see such a range of important partners come together to deliver this.”
Having proved the football tournament is a success, the project is now launching quarterly bonding activities to bring together the young people who engage from Trin, Oasis and YMCA to give everyone an equal opportunity to play a sport they love.
With the scheme set to continue for the foreseeable future, why not contact one of the providers to see how you can get involved.
Image – the winning West Marsh team
Share this article