Story: Lisa Swift
Just as the sun was setting on a warm spring evening, the green near Wensley Close was full of activity. It was the weekly Tuesday football sessions by Activity Sheffield that were bringing the place to life.
More than thirty children were playing football and practicing their skills in and around the inflatable pitch, and nearby the police community van was serving hot drinks and handing out the biscuits.
Karl Reynolds from Activity Sheffield has been running the sessions since January,
“Its been really good, we’ve only had two sessions indoors because of the weather, and there’s been lots of kids every week. There are regulars we see every time, and this week we’ve got 10 new children.”
Each Tuesday boys and girls aged between 8 and 13, turn up and form into 5-a-side teams – they play matches and practice their ball skills. Its been funded by the Council’s Small Grants and the Police, through the Wensley TARA. Their Secretary Gladys Newbolt said,
“I’m just glad to see the children enjoying themselves, its a lot warmer this week than it has been, which is good. The children have come from all over the estate, from Arches, Page Hall and Earl Marshal, some of the players are really talented.”
The local Safer Neighbourhood Team have also been involved from the start, PCSO Stephen Shipley said,
“Its been a fantastic turn out, and there have been some really good matches. They have all been really well behaved too.”
The children's comments:
The children were keen to tell us exactly what they thought of the activities:
“It’s cool, we come home on a Tuesday and we all come here to play together. It’s the first chance I’ve had to play football in ages.” Faisal
“It’s good, it means we don’t have to stay at home being bored.” Abdulla
“It’s good for your fitness too.” Jerry
“It’s good to get out with all your friends, and its good for the environment.” Usama
“It’s fun, its better than staying at home.” Nasr
“It’s very good, it keeps people off the street.” Duane
“Gives kids something to do so you’re not at home annoying your mum.”
Shania
“It’s great, it keeps people occupied.” Joy
“It’s very good, it keeps kids fit and healthy, we are having a lot of fun.” Waleed