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A GROUP of youngsters are heading for the
finals of a national football competition in style thanks to two acts of
generosity.
Abram FC will represent the borough at the national finals of the
Midnight League football competition in Doncaster on July 4th.
To make sure the 12 to 14-year-olds look the part their coach, Andy
Smith, has shelled out £90 of his own money to buy them a kit and even
sought sponsorship from Leigh printing firm, Collins and Darwell, to
have their names printed on the back.
Andy just 19 has been working as a volunteer coach in the community for
three years.
Today he was praised for going the “extra mile” in his local community
by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trusts Sports Development Unit who support
the volunteer community coaches.
Craig Anthony from Wigan Sports Development said: “At Sports Development
we have been impressed with Andy's commitment and initiative to not only
act as team manager but secure a team kit and a sponsor for Abram FC,
who will now represent the North West at the national finals in
Doncaster.
“Andy is a prime example of the sort of young community leaders active
in Wigan, the young lads of Abram FC have a good relationship with Andy
and appreciate the work he does with them. “
Andy said: “I just enjoy coaching, I enjoy what the kids get out of it.
I’d really recommend it.
“All the players live within a mile of here and there’s a great
community spirit from them.”
Pioneered last year, Game On Midnight Leagues provide an opportunity for
12 to 16-year-olds to play five-a-side on a Friday night offering young
people something constructive to do, instead of hanging around on the
streets.
More than 300 young people in Wigan and Leigh took part this year with
the winners going on to regional finals.
Chris Travers is the director of Collins and Darwell. He said: “We do a
lot of work with sports clubs and it’s important to give something back.
“Good luck to Abram in the finals.”
Teams representing Wigan at the national finals in Doncaster hail from
across the borough with an under 16 team from Westleigh, an under 16 and
an under 14 teams from Lowton and a girls under 16 team from Pemberton
in Wigan.
-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
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Chris Travers and Andy Smith |