DARTFORD: Plan to keep young criminal s busy
YOUNGSTERS involved in crime, drugs and truancy will be encouraged to train for professional football coaching qualifications when new sports pitches are built in Dartford.
The 12 flood-lit all-weather pitches at Leigh City Technology College will be used by the Thames Gateway Youth Football Project (TGYFP).
It operates in partnership with Charlton, Millwall, Westham and Leyton Orient football clubs, across 12 boroughs, including Dartford and Thurrock.
Planning permission to develop the pitches was granted to UK-wide five-a-side hire company Powerleague on condition they are open to the college and youth groups during the day.
The pitches are being financed with private money from Powerleague, and public money from Dartford Borough Council and Kent County Council.
Dartford Council's sports development officer Clare Fitzgerald said: "Previously youngsters in Dartford have been unable to play football in the dark winter months because of a lack of suitable floodlit facilities. These new pitches will fill that gap."
Leigh City Technology College headteacher Frank Green, whose pupils will have free use of the pitches during school hours, said: "It will be a phenomenal resource for the community and our pupils."
TGYFP project manager Ophelia Soares said: "This is a great opportunity to tackle social exclusion by re-engaging young people in the community. We hope to combat juvenile crime by improving youngsters chances of getting a job."
December 7, 2001 15:55
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