Using football to combat antisocial behaviour

Hopwood Hall College’s Football Development Officers Dewan Choudhury and Holly Espie with Inspector Kris Williams

Hopwood Hall College is allowing local young people to use their football pitch for free, helping to reduce antisocial behaviour in the community.

Inspector Kris Williams visited the College recently and met their Football Development Officers Holly Espie and Dewan Choudhury who explained to him the work they are doing. They allow under 16s access to the College’s state-of-the-art 3G football pitch completely free of charge, with sessions being organised by qualified staff.

Inspector Williams said: “The team are doing some great work with young people from the area. It’s good to know that they’ve created such a safe and positive environment for children to enjoy themselves.”

Paul Driver, the Sports Arena Manager at the College, is delighted at the popularity of the free activities: “Our children’s activities are proving to be more popular than ever, giving everybody a chance to experience our fantastic facilities here at the College."