A major push to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is taking place in Birmingham, where a community group is offering free football sessions and coaching qualifications to vulnerable young people.
The project has been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the My Tomorrow campaign, which is aimed at improving the life chances of young people.
It is being led by former Birmingham City striker Dele Adebola, who runs community organisation Strike9.
Some young people have been referred to the programme by their schools or the police.
It’s after Strike9 moved to a new base at Moseley Rugby Club where they have brought a much-loved but neglected pitch back into use.
CEO Dele Adebola said they want to give young people in the area a sense of belonging.
He added: “This pitch has incredible potential to be at the heart of the community again. We’ve seen how sport can build confidence and create opportunities where they might not otherwise exist. Restoring this facility is a huge step forward.”
“We want to give these young people something to aspire to, put some money in their pocket and a bit of education. It doesn’t have to be university, but life skills.”
Strike9 took over the site 12 months ago. Since then, they have secured the grounds, repaired fencing, and installed new goals. This comes in response to rising levels of anti-social behaviour, including damage to fencing, motorbikes on pitches, and a serious incident involving a stolen car.
Dele also has further plans to upgrade the Astro to a 3G pitch next Summer. The upgrade forms part of ambitious plans to transform the whole site at Billesley Common into a multi-sports village. It already features Padel courts and volleyball courts, donated from the Commonwealth Games.
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, said: “It is brilliant to see that Strike9 has found a new home, with exciting plans to build a sense of community around a new and improved pitch and facilities. This will raise the aspirations of young people who need somewhere to turn, and role models to look up to.
“I’m pleased that the nearly £10,000 grant which we’ve contributed as part of the My Tomorrow campaign will fund football sessions across two sites. It will enable 30 more young people to start a new chapter in their lives, with that long-term support from youth workers at Strike9.”
