This week a new season of Street Football and Basketball sessions will be starting in five areas of the town, with five areas getting basketball for the first time.
For almost a decade thousands of young people from across Northampton have been involved in the Street Football Project. Over the years the scheme has grown to offer sessions in more and more areas, and now a number of venues are also offering basketball sessions too.
Thanks to additional funding from the Northampton Community Safety Partnership and Northamptonshire Police basketball sessions will be available to young people at the Multi-Use Games Areas in Bellinge, Eastfield Park, the Racecourse, Rillwood Court and Victoria Park.
Northampton Leisure Trust’s Street Football Officer Gavin Lewis said:
"The combined football and basketball sessions are proving to be really popular. Both sports build teamwork and reward those who are dedicated to improving their skills. But the real benefits of getting involved continue to be having fun, making new friends and joining in with a regular activity.”
Councillor David Mackintosh, board member of the Northampton Community Safety Partnership and Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for community safety said:
"All many young people want is a place to belong where they can make friends and meet people. So it is important that we create activities for them that are welcoming, safe and supervised. The Street Football Projects have done a fantastic job in helping to get young people involved in positive activities in a fun environment, and I am sure that the new basketball sessions will do the same.”
The new season of Street Football and Basketball sessions starts this week:
Monday – Bellinge Multi-Use Games Area
Monday – Rillwood Court Multi-Use Games Area
Tuesday – Racecourse tennis courts
Wednesday – Easfield Park Multi-Use Games Area
Friday – Victoria Park Multi-Use Games Area
All sessions are based on age groups, with the first hour and a half (4pm-5.30pm) for ages 13+ and the second session (5.30pm-7pm) for ages 8-12.
The Street Football Project has been running for over seven years helps break down barriers between young people from different backgrounds and communities. The project teaches new skills, promotes fair play and helps youngsters learn to work as part of a team. For more information call Northampton Leisure Trust’s street football officer, Gavin Lewis on 01604 838 458 or emailglewis@northamptonleisuretrust.org.uk
