Local youngsters aged between 11 and 17 recently enjoyed a “Footy Fest” organised by the ActDivertz Group, which includes Broadacres, North Yorkshire 4 Youth Service, North Yorkshire Police, Hambleton District Council and The Town Council, The tournament was split into two categories, 11-13 and 14-17 age groups.

The tournament was held at the Applegarth in Northallerton and was well supported by players, friends and families. Other activities included a Bouncy Council, Face Painting Stall, Mini Quad Bikes, a barbeque provided by the Northallerton Round Table, a Penalty Shoot Out Stand by Brompton Juniors FC and a stall from Broadacres which was attended by Emily Thomas (Community Development Co-ordinator) and Mrs Diana Bracey (a member of Broadacres’ Tenant Liaison Group).

The event was a great community occasion and the theme “Kick anti-social behaviour into touch” sent out the message to the wider community that by having these events, the quality of the lives of people living in Northallerton can improve through diversionary activities. Simon Wilson, Sergeant of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, quoted “Looking across the park at all the players being watched by their families was like a view from a 1950/60’s news reel, as a park should be used and the community spirit and involvement was great to see”.

Steve Towers, Managing Director of Broadacres, presented the winning team of the 14-17 categories with the Broadacres Shield and commented “Unfortunately young people can get a lot of bad press.  This event demonstrates what a co-ordinated effort can achieve – well done to everyone, particularly the aspiring football stars”.

It is hoped to kick start a regular weekly Friday night football project for any young person aged between 13-19 years in the Northallerton area in order to target and reduce issues of anti social behaviour in the town. 

If you are interested in this project, please contact Jamie Pover, Rural Football Development Officer, North Riding County Football Association Ltd on 01609 767261 or Jamie.Pover@Hambleton.gov.uk.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Footy Fest and the success of the tournament means that this will now become an annual event.

The winning teams with the organisers and Steve Towers, Managing Director of Broadacres.