SPORTS SUCCESS !

From its total of almost £35,000 allocated for this year, the Fawdon Ward Committee has agreed to contribute around £5,000 towards the Fawdon Park Sports Development Project. The project creates opportunities for young people in the area to be involved in sport on a weekly basis in a safe environment, with coaches and volunteers also from the local area.

The money will be used for coaching courses, equipment, strips, trophies, holiday football camps, boxing training/fitness and to encourage more volunteers. The project has also started a "Respect" campaign which has been recognised by the Football Association. It aims to bring the community together (working with young people in both Fawdon and Kenton) and to reduce anti-social behaviour. They plan to start junior mini soccer beginning with under-11s mixed teams, and parent and toddler football free of cost. The project is proving a great success on the field too - the under 16 football team has been promoted to league 3 and the under 15 team has high hopes. Over 100 young people are currently involved.

"Sherrie McDougal, who has made all this possible, has done a fantastic job with the young people of our area" said Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh. "Sport is good for developing fitness and skills, and for building teamwork and discipline. There's a shortage of facilities for young people so we've been pleased to help with these funds.