An exciting new programme from Sport England, funded by the National Lottery, and delivered by the Football Foundation will support people in Leeds to ensure they get more active.
The initiative, Active Through Football, is providing the Leeds United Foundation with funding to increase participation levels in football, with the club’s official charity going through a competitive process to secure the funding which was open to applications from communities who face some of the greatest inequalities to being physically active.
The main aim of the programme is to increase activity levels, creating sustained behavior change through football. Key local stakeholders have come together to create and deliver a plan for identified target audiences within Leeds and the plan will be based predominately on the delivery of recreational and informal football activity and developed through Community Engagement.
The target areas for the programme throughout Leeds will be the city centre, Hunslet, Beeston, Holbeck, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill.
To ensure the initiative is a success and those taking part in sessions are able to develop and improve their activity levels, we will work together with local partners on a collaborative approach that creates community ownership and sustainability through improved long-term physical activity habits.
John Mallalieu, CEO at the Leeds United Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to Sport England, the National Lottery and the Football Foundation for this opportunity to be able to support people in our local community to become more active.
“The areas we will be delivering the Active Through Football sessions are some of the most deprived in Leeds and so it is fantastic that we are creating more opportunities for those who would not usually have the access to play football, improve their skills and increase their fitness levels.”
Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, added: “There is a reason why football is followed and played by so many the world over. It brings people together and helps build connections in communities. It’s also the sport that is played the most in England and has a reach into places where our research shows activity levels are lower.
“Sport England is proud to be one of the funding partners helping to tackle these inequalities and to support more people from a variety of backgrounds to enjoy playing football and all the benefits that brings.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This grant award to Leeds United Foundation is fantastic news for the local community in Leeds. Football is a game for everyone - regardless of their background - and it’s only right that people across all walks of life are able to play the nation’s favourite game.
“Over the past 21 years, we have been working with local authorities up and down the country to ensure everyone has access to high quality pitches.
“Thanks to Sport England National Lottery Investment, this new project will help to transform people’s lives by developing a range of football activities in Leeds, unlocking the many benefits of football for the community.”