Youngsters aged eight to 15 can take part in free football and sports sessions over the summer.
GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates leisure facilities under the Better brand, has been awarded £2,480 to deliver the sessions by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund to help reduce issues associated with anti-social behaviour and crime.
Free one-hour supervised coaching sessions will be held every night of the week at Workington Sports Centre, Cleator Moor Activity Centre and the Carlisle Campus Sports at Harraby.
Rebecca Wildgoose, health and communities manager at GLL, said: “This project will provide children in Cumberland, who often have limited things to do, with free activities to engage in in a safe and supervised environment.
“We know from past experience, that giving young people focus, an outlet to burn off energy, learn new skills and a sense of ownership instils community pride, and makes great strides towards deterring anti-social behaviour.”
The announcement follows a successful pilot scheme that ran last summer at Cleator Moor Activity Centre.
It was designed to combat trespassing and littering at the venue’s 4G sports pitch and over 300 young people attended. Organisers said it allowed access to a key outdoor space for play and activity and had the knock-on effect of discouraging anti-social behaviour.
The initiative was supported by Cumberland Councillor (Cleator Moor West), Michael Eldon, who added: “During the early summer of 2024, Cleator Moor experienced a significant amount of youth anti-social behaviour around the pitch.
“This was raised by the safer streets team which works with young people to increase awareness of the negative impacts of anti-social behaviour and the problems associated with it.
“We worked with GLL to create an opportunity where we could better engage with young people, encourage them to participate in sport and take pride in the community facility. I’m delighted to report that it led to a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour.”
