Free football for teens

Teenagers, from different areas in Middleton, enjoying the free community football sessions at Hopwood Hall College Sports Arena. From left to right: Josh Davidson (14), from Hollins, Ben Bentley (14), from Boarshaw, Mason Fallon (14), from Moorclose and Alex Haynes (14), from Alkrington

The Hopwood Hall College free community football sessions, currently running every Thursday (4-6pm), are being extended to run for two hours (4-6pm) every week day of the Summer holidays, starting on Monday July 22.

Teenage boys and girls (up to 16 years) are welcome to go along and it doesn’t matter what their footballing ability is as all are welcome.

The sessions also provide an introduction to Hopwood Hall College’s Football Development Programme (in partnership with the Lancashire FA and the Football Foundation).

FA qualified football coach Stuart Sharples, and other staff, are available during the sessions to provide structured coaching, helping those wanting to develop their football ability.

The staff also organise mini-games and matches for those that just want to get some exercise, meet new people and have a kick-about.

Paul Driver, Sports Arena manager, said: “These community football sessions are completely free and show our commitment to promoting the sport of football and our facilities to as wider section of the community as possible.”

Ben Bentley (14), from Boarshaw, has been coming along to the free Thursday sessions and commented: “These free sessions allow me and my friends to enjoy a kick-about and have a game of football on a quality football pitch, which we normally would not get the chance to do. We also feel safe in the venue, which is always a good thing.”