Young people in Barrow can take advantage of free football sessions this Easter.
Westmorland and Furness Council has teamed up with Furness Youth Work Partnership to bring back Turn Up and Play football.
Taking place at Barrow Astro Turf Pitches in Barrow Park, the sessions will run on Wednesday April 9, Thursday April 10, Wednesday April 16 and Thursday April 17 from 2pm to 8pm.
Open to young people up to 18 years old, there is no need to book – just turn up.
Footballs and bibs will be provided on pitches hosting the Turn Up and Play competitions and/or coaching activities, while those taking part in free play on pitches are encouraged to bring a football along. Young people are also encouraged to bring a water bottle which can be refilled at the water fountain at the pitches.
This initiative follows a successful pilot in the summer, which saw hundreds of young people – sometimes up to 80 per evening – actively engaging in football due to free access to the pitches.
The project led to a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour on the pitches, the council said and encouraged young people to share their views with youth workers and authority staff.
As part of ongoing support from Westmorland and Furness Council’s Furness Locality Board, professional youth workers from Furness Youth Work Partnership will be delivering detached youth work at the Easter sessions, providing engagement and support for young people. The work is funded through a £25,000 investment over two years to support multi-agency youth work across the community.
The council is now also exploring opportunities to run free Turn Up and Play Football sessions during term-time after school.
Furness Locality Board chair, Councillor Tony Callister, said: “We received fantastic feedback from both young people and parents who really enjoyed the scheme last year and wanted it to return, so we are delighted to bring it back this Easter.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Barrow. By supporting initiatives like this, we encourage young people of all ages and abilities to get active, have fun, and connect with others – all for free.
“Healthy and happy lives are a priority for the council, and sport plays a huge role in community life. These pitches are a valuable asset, and I hope this project continues to inspire and engage young people while giving them a voice in shaping local leisure activities.”
Cath Corkill, chair of Furness Youth Work Partnership, added: “Sport is essential for young people’s development and mental well-being, so we are proud to support this initiative once again. Our professional youth workers will be on hand around the pitches, providing detached youth work and engaging young people in a range of activities.
“By working together, we can create more opportunities and positive outcomes for young people and their families across Furness.”
