A project to bring the beautiful game to youngsters living on some of Islington’s estates, has been awarded £55,000 by the UK’s largest sports charity. <br><br>The ‘Football 4 Estates’ project, which is giving young people in the Mildmay area the chance to take part in organised football sessions, has been awarded the money by the Football Foundation.<br><br>The cash is in recognition of the project’s positive impact on the community which has seen a significant reduction in anti social behaviour and a 20% drop in crime in the area.<br><br>Young people from the age of 11 get the change to take part in a team sport, meet new people and enjoy exercise in a safe environment. The sessions are led by qualified coaches who teach the youngsters correct techniques, basic skills and team building. <br><br>With five sessions a week catering for young people from four different estates, the cash boost will help keep the project going for the next five years. <br><br>The project which has been up and running since December 2004 is the result of collaboration between a host of agencies including the council, the Mildmay Community Partnership, Access to Sports and the Police’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team.<br><br>Michael MacNeill, Football Development Manager, Aquaterra said: “It’s amazing to think how far the project has come, from a one-off event during an ‘Estate Clean-up day’ 18 months ago, to a project that has five sessions a week and has now secured funding for five years.” <br><br>Councillor Laura Willoughby, Executive Member for Communities said: “I am delighted that Football 4 Estates has been given this extra funding. It is an excellent opportunity for young people and one which is proving to have benefits for the entire community. And even if you’re not so young, but still want to get involved, there are opportunities to become a qualified coach, play other teams and put your estate on the football map.”<br><br>Peter Lee, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “Projects such as the Mildmay initiative underline the vital role football can play in our communities, not only contributing to healthy lifestyles but engaging with often hard to reach groups and achieving positive results in cutting crime and anti social behaviour.”<br><br>Sessions are held on Saturday and Monday evenings on the Kerridge Court sports pitch, Tuesday and Thursday evenings on the Mayville Estate and Thursday evenings at Highbury Grove School. For more information contact Michael MacNeill on 020 7686 8810<br><br>**You are invited to a photocall to celebrate the award**<br><br>What: Footballing youngsters from the project and Islington's Mayor Peter Lee<br>When: 27 June, 5pm<br>Where: Kerridge Court sports pitch, Ballspond Road, N1<br><br>Notes to editors<br>q The project will receive the first tranche of funding by the end of October <br>q The Football Foundation is a partnership funded by the Football Association, the Premier League and the Government.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009