Funding from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Grant Scheme has been awarded to Reds in the Community to provide football sessions at 5ives in Kendray, Barnsley

The £1,240 grant was awarded to the Barnsley Charity to fund the Premier League Kicks sessions on a Wednesday evening throughout the winter months. Football sessions at the 5ives football centre will run on a Wednesday evening for 10-weeks.

The project will provide diversionary activities for young people aged 8 to 19 in Kendray and Worsborough, targeting individuals at risk of committing anti-social behaviour and hate crime offences particularly at the playing fields.

Dr Alan Billings, the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner visited Reds in the Community at the home of Barnsley FC, Oakwell.  Whilst there he handed over a cheque to Kieron Campbell, Sports Development Officer for Reds In the Community and Bobby Hassell, Academy Manager at Barnsley Football Club.

Dr Billings said: “Relatively small amounts of grant funding can make big differences to the lives of young people. Sport is an excellent way of providing diversionary activities for young people who may struggle to find things to do on cold dark nights.

“Not all the young people who take up the offer are at risk of engaging in anti-social or criminal activities, but all will have the opportunity to channel their energy into activities that will develop their football skills and keep them fit and healthy.

“Reds in the Community are continuing to provide these football sessions as part of their outreach work in Barnsley and who knows, there may be some budding football stars out there that could go on to play for Barnsley FC –  a great South Yorkshire team!”

Premier League Kicks sessions are run by FA qualified coaches from Reds in the Community and are designed to develop youngsters aged 8-19’s football ability and general fitness through a variety of activities.

Kieron Campbell, Sports Development Officer said: “It’s fantastic to be able to work in partnership with the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner on our Premier League Kicks programme.

“The funding received from the Commissioner will support a significant amount of young people within the Worsborough and Kendray area in participating in physical activity and sport.

“The 5ives venue is a fantastic facility to accommodate this project and we hope to attract a wide range of young people aged 8-19 over the 10-week funding period.”

The first session of the kicks programme took place on Wednesday, 23 January with over ??? young people taking part.  Participants in the programme will have the opportunity to attend a Barnsley FC home league game before the end of the season and there will be further opportunities to anyone wishing to come along, including the opportunity to represent Barnsley FC against Doncaster Rovers in March.

Bobby Hassell, Barnsley Football Club Academy Manager said: “This grant funding to Reds in the Community provides a great way to engage with young people in football and help them develop essential life skills, such as respect and teamwork.

“Young people are always looking for ways to get in to football and this provides an opportunity to be part of Barnsley Football Club.”

For further information on this premier league kicks programme or other sessions running across venues in Barnsley visit https://barnsleyfccommunity.co.uk/