Euro MPs celebrate footballs power to create chances

Arlene McCarthy

At a special event in the European Parliament tonight, timed to coincide with England’s key match against the Ukraine in Euro 2012, Euro MPs will be finding out more about how Premier League clubs are working with local communities in their area to create chances for local people.

The Heads of Community Projects from MCFC, MUFC and Wigan Athletic will be in attendance at the event in the European Parliament.

Local Labour Euro MP and Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Friends of Football group, Arlene McCarthy said: “I have witnessed firsthand how football in the community can have a positive impact, helping change young people’s lives for the better.

“At a time when funding is short and budgets are stretched the work the Premier League is doing and the additional funding it attracts - £3 for every £1 of Premier League money spent – is a vital lifeline for our local communities.”

Arlene who helped secure funding for a music recording studio run by MCFC’s KICKZ project added: “Having already supported projects at MCFC, MUFC and Everton FC, I am looking forward to finding out more about their future plans for community engagement across the region.”

Examples of Creating Chances projects across the region include:

MCFC KICKZ Project: is aimed at young people between the ages of 12-18 and gives them a range of sporting and non-sporting activities to take part in on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. It uses the power of football to create stronger, safer and more respectful communities by developing young people’s potential.

MUFC Something to Chew On: is a ten week programme that uses Manchester United to educate youngsters about being healthy in order to tackle rising obesity rates. The programme covers football, fitness and nutrition and teaches children about the importance of eating healthily and living a balanced lifestyle.

Wigan Athletic Premier League for Sports : Through PL4Sport, Wigan Athletic are offering school children the opportunity to take up badminton, table tennis, volleyball and judo via five hub clubs and 16 satellite clubs based in local schools.

Liverpool FC Premier League Health scheme: forms part of its overall LFC Action for Health programme. The scheme has been delivering a specific Men’s Health Programme in North Liverpool that aims to increase life expectancy and reduce incidences of coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancers by offering free health checks to fans, including advice on healthy eating, alcohol awareness, cancer awareness, lifestyle and fitness.

Everton FC Imagine Your Goals: is the award winning programme that works in partnership with Mersey Care NHS Trust, the mental health charity Imagine and local shipping company Bibby Maritime to help challenge the stigma associated with mental illness through positive sports, training and education opportunities for people who experience mental or emotional problems.