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MIDNIGHT football is set to return to help
tackle anti-social behaviour across Wigan and Leigh.
Introduced last year, more than 200 teenagers participated in the ten
week scheme run by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Sports Development
Unit.
And this year organisers are promising the “Game On Midnight Leagues”
will be even “bigger and better”.
The tournament provides an opportunity for 12 to 16-year-olds to play
five-a-side football every Friday night at either Robin Park Arena or
Lowton Community Sports College.
Although the games are actually played between 8pm and 9.30pm the
programme derives its name from Midnight Basketball – an American
initiative introduced to curb inner-city crime by giving youngsters an
opportunity to become involved in constructive pursuits.
Craig Anthony, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Sports Development Events
Delivery Officer, said: “The Midnight Leagues are great exercise and
they give teenagers something to do on a Friday night in a safe
environment away from any potential trouble.
“Providing young people with this type of opportunity keeps them fit,
healthy and doing something positive. This is greatly beneficial to
local communities in the short and long-term.”
Funded by The Coalfields Regeneration Trust and The Football Foundation,
Game On works in former mining communities across the North West, East
Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East to provide football opportunities
where there is a general lack of activity.
Whilst aiming to increase the amount of young people playing football in
coalfield communities, Game On also aims to use the power of football to
develop young people’s awareness of key social issues which affect them
and their communities, such as anti-social behaviour, respect and health
& well-being.
And the scheme has been given a welcome boost by Wigan Athletic FC.
The Wigan Midnight Leagues were selected by Wigan Athletic FC and the
Premier League to receive a £4,000 donation to help run them via the
Places for Players scheme – an initiative where Premier League stars
highlight the diverse and wide-ranging community and good cause work
carried out throughout the year by the 20 Barclays Premier League clubs.
Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said:
“Football’s ability to inspire and engage communities is something that
is now virtually universally accepted.”
He added: “I hope these £4,000 donations for our runners-up will help
them to continue their fantastic work, leave legacy in their community
and help them achieve their long-term goals.”
Participation in Game On Midnight Leagues is free with quality
facilities and equipment also being provided.
Game On Midnight Leagues begin on January 23rd 2009, running for 10
weeks and culminating a borough finals event on April 3rd 2009. Winners
can then progress on to regional and national finals.
To register an interest in taking part, please contact Craig Anthony at
Wigan Sports Development on 01924 404956.
-ends-
Notes to Editors: For further information on this press release please
contact David Taylor, PR Manager 01942 486 937 or email
david.taylor@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to help people across the Wigan Borough to become more
physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase
community activity and to encourage good citizenship.
GAME ON: For more information on the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s
GAME ON project as a whole, please contact North West GAME ON
Coordinator Kevin Tasker on 01925 222066 or via email at
kevin.tasker@coalfields-regen.org.uk
For further on ‘Places for Players’ information please contact:
The Premier League Creating Chances Press Office
0207 908 6592
creatingchances@premierleague.com
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