PRESS RELEASE

FOOTBALL-mad youngsters gave summer holiday boredom the boot at the finale of the ‘Pride in the Hood’ five-a-side soccer tournament held at Soar Valley Leisure Centre on 21st August 2010.

The ‘Pride in the Hood’ campaign was a two-week scheme for young people, aged 11-19, who live in Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing Properties. Budding David Beckhams, wannabe Wayne Rooneys and future Mia Hamms picked up top tips at training sessions before taking part in a event finale.

The coaching sessions were delivered by qualified coaches and the scheme was a joint initiative between Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing, Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police, Youth Offending Services impact team and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

70 young people were engaged by this project culminating in 10 teams taking part on the day including a multi agency team made of staff from Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing and Charnwood Borough Council and the Police. Teams were entered from Birstall, Mountsorrel, Thurmaston, Ashby Road and Shelthorpe.

The victors of both the under 16’s tournament and the over 16’s tournament were Mountsorrel who were presented with the ‘community shield’ trophy for both age groups by Cllr Snartt, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership. The winning teams will also receive a hosted paint balling trip.

During the event youngsters were provided with food and refreshments and the chance to visit the ‘street vibe’ bus to take part in DJ activities. Leicestershire Fire Service were also present with their Fire Safety Hub which allowed young people to see the effects of poor fire safety in the home.

Joshua Gardner, from Browning Road, Loughborough was the proud winner of a signed Leicester City Football Shirt.

Susan Taylor, Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing's Chief Executive, said: "This is not only a great way for young people to keep healthy and active over the school holidays, but a great way for them to have fun and make new friends in a safe and sociable environment."

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for community safety and customer services, said: “Young people can often find themselves at a loose end during the long summer holidays so this is a great way of keeping fit, working as a team and kicking boredom into touch. It is also a fantastic example of different agencies working together to deliver activities into these areas while improving the quality of life for residents and the health of young people.”

Ryan Weston (11), from Browning Road, Loughborough took part in the tournament. He said: “This has been the best day of the summer holidays so far”.

PC Gordon Doudie from Loughborough and PC Paul Bird from Mountsorrel helped to organise the event and refereed the games on the day. PC Doudie said: “We had a great day and we were really pleased to see so many young people. It was enjoyed by everyone and it was great to hear some of the kids saying it was the best day of the summer holiday. I really hope we can run it again next year.”

This year’s event was jointly funded by the Community Safety Partnership, Leicestershire Constabulary and Leicestershire County Council. Subject to funding, the organisers hope to make this an annual event.

ENDS