“This is so much more than just a game of football”: Fair Play scheme launches to help young people across North East Lincolnshire

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the next three years, Fair Play Football is a group partnership including the Council, YMCA, Centre 4, Immingham Oasis Academy, Grimsby Town Foundation, Fusion and The Trin to help children aged 8-17.

Split up into weekly training sessions and quarterly tournaments held at Clee Fields, it gives the younger generation safe and welcoming spaces to enjoy themselves. Additionally, the project aims to provide further support on other matters like Sexual Health through the help of the Young and Safe bus which attends each tournament.

Training is open to those from 8 up to 17 with the tournaments made available for children aged 12-16. At the recent launch, 8 competed to be crowned champions of the first tournament with Immingham 1 ending the night victorious after a tense penalty shootout against the Fusion Centre.

Regardless of who won the golden boot or who lifted the trophy on the night, the main aim is for everyone to enjoy themselves and play together.

For one young goalkeeper, Ebony Hodson, who is the only female at the tournament, playing for Oasis Academy Immingham is a great honour. “I love getting involved and have always wanted to play in the tournaments,” she said.

“It gives me something to do on an evening and has even helped me get into an actual football team and I owe a lot to Fair Play Football for achieving that.”

Aside from getting out and being active, it is also a great way to socialise with people of the same age. Jack Hillman, playing for The Trin, said: “I love being here and playing football with my mates.

“The best part is the fact everyone gets the chance to play. No matter how skilled you are at football, everyone works together and it’s really fun.”

In the coming months, the project will look to incorporate netball tournaments and training sessions to give everyone an equal opportunity to play a sport they love.

With a successful launch under their belts, organisers are positive about how big an impact the scheme could have.

Kate Conway, CEO of YMCA Humber, said: “The Fair Play project is critical to the youth work of North East Lincolnshire. For us, it’s an absolute pleasure to welcome all the different organisations here and to be able to unite in the joy of football.”

She added: “This is so much more than football.

“It’s about teaching people teamwork, supporting them when they’re struggling and celebrating success with them.”

For the providers, the sessions and tournaments are a great way to give back to the community they work in. Jason Land, Head of Inclusion and Grimsby Town Football Club, said: “We work with over 100 young people on a weekly basis through Fair Play and it’s great to see them play for the badge in the tournaments.

“It means so much to them and so much to the club.”

Speaking at the launch, Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at the Council, said: “There are so many opportunities here for young people, it’s what’s happening behind the game though, this is not only about playing football.

“There is plenty going on off the pitch too in regard to helping young people’s wellbeing, fitness and I’m thrilled to see so many people embracing the initiative.”