REGENERATING THROUGH FOOTBALL

Testimonials

“The Midnight Leagues have been very successful and demonstrate the positive effects partnership working can provide for local communities. As a result young people have been given the opportunity to participate in physical activity in a safe, friendly environment on a Friday night away from any potential trouble.

This initiative has been and can continue to be greatly beneficial to local communities. One youth worker has even said the young people from her area taking part in the Midnight Leagues would normally be out drinking on a Friday night. The Midnight Leagues are proving to be a great distraction and getting lots of young people socialising in a positive environment.”

Craig Anthony, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Events Delivery Officer.

 

" I would like to say a big thank you for the Game on project. The young people I have brought from the Bickershaw area, would normally on a Friday night be out drinking and causing antisocial behaviour. The group have found the project has a great distraction from the social circle they would usually be involved with. They have found their competitiveness and really look forward to the sessions".

Karen Freeman, Wigan Borough Council, Youth Worker.

 

"Even though the kids didn't get through, they all came away from the Regional Finals buzzing about what they'd just taken part in. They can't wait for next year's competition and are determined to improve and make it to the National Finals in 2009"

Christine Nevinson, Knowsley Borough Council, Sports Development Officer.

 

" I've really enjoyed travelling up to Robin Park Arena every other Friday and playing in the Midnight Leagues against people from all over Wigan. To be champions of Wigan is really wicked and we can't wait to get stuck in to all the other North West teams at the finals." Phil Bowdler (16) Wigan Youth - Player.

“The Midnight League has been of great benefit to the Police in Blyth because of a reduction in youth disorder, a reduction in disorder related crime, fewer victims of crime and disorder, plus it means the Police can concentrate on more serious issues”

Steve West, Northumbria Police.

“Before I started with GAME ON I would have been in the streets causing bother, drinking and smoking. I have now stopped smoking and do better in school and home”

Midnight League player, Durham.

 

“The Midnight League in Derwentside has brought young people together from different schools and parochial villages whose residents can view outsiders with suspicion, but they have come together under the banner of football to compete in a  friendly and competitive environment.”

Daniel O’Brien, Development Officer, Stanley Green Corridor Neighbourhood Partnership.

“One young man who was excluded from school started playing in the Midnight League in 2005. Since then he has trained for and completed the Coast to Coast bike ride, gained a Level 1 Sports Leadership award and is now looking to complete his level 1 Referees badge. He is now back in mainstream school and on track to complete five GSCEs. His tutor puts some of this success down to his participation is sport.”

A North East Sports Development Officer.

 

“The Midnight Leagues are a fantastic initiative.  In the winter there is less for children to do and this engages them in a positive activity.  While we have them involved in ML we can get them involved in other activities, and even coaching qualification and keep them off the streets further. And when they are off the streets everybody knows where they are!” 

Dave Hinkles, Volunteer and Coordinator

“The Midnight Leagues are an excellent project which the kids in the area have really embraced, whilst the leagues have been running there has been a youthful buzz around the Powerleague site. I have worked at the site for over 5 years and to see kids I would normally have problems with playing in an organised activity, behaving and really enjoying it is a pleasure. All the kids who participated have loved it and cant wait for the new season to begin, as a project the Midnight leagues is one that is for the kids and does truely affect the kids in the way it is was intended.”

Felicity Hallam, GM for Power League

 

The Game On project provides valuable football and coaching opportunities for the youth of former coalfields areas. The Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA are delighted to work and support this project. The County FA is dedicated to providing playing opportunities for everyone, to develop and encourage players to be the best they can.  Congratulations for reaching the Finals, good luck but most of all enjoy it.

James Hope-Gill, Chief Executive, Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA