Striker Calvin kicks off sports sessions
DALE star Calvin Andrew was the star guest as a free sports coaching programme was launched.
The striker spoke to youngsters at the Soccer factory in Castleton, at the first of Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s Premier League Kicks sessions.
Held at five venues across the borough, Kicks, which is funded by the Premier League Community Foundation, will see about 250 youngsters take part every week.
Community Trust head Keith Hicks said: “Kicks is about delivering a first-class participation programme in the heart of the local community and getting out into five different areas allows us to do that.
“The sessions are about giving young people something to do after school and at night, and we’re delighted that, thanks to this funding, we’re able to give local youngsters the chance to participate in sport in a safe and relaxed environment completely free of charge.
“I’m really pleased that we’re already engaging with nearly 250 youngsters and hopefully these numbers will continue to grow.”
Andrew, who answered questions from the youngsters, posed for photos and signed autographs while at the launch, said: “It was great to see so many young people getting involved in these sessions provided by the Community Trust.
“When I was young, we didn’t have facilities like the Soccer Factory or programmes like Kicks where you could just turn up and play football for free thanks to your local professional football club.
“There was a great atmosphere, they were all enjoying themselves and I hope they will continue to get involved.”
The sessions run at the following venues: Darnhill Kick Pitch, Heywood, 7pm-8pm every Thursday; Freehold Kick Pitch, 6pm-8pm every Tuesday; Kingsway Park High School, 6pm-8pm every Friday 6pm-8pm; The Soccer Factory: 5pm-7pm every Friday
Wardle Academy: 4pm-6pm every Thursday
There’s no need to book onto any of these events, just turn up.