‘Spring Knights’ Football Kicks Off At Laurelhill Sports Zone
February 15, 2016
Young people across Lisburn & Castlereagh are being encouraged to sign up for the ‘Spring Knights 5-a-side Football Championship’, which is a fun 8 week community project, commencing on Friday 4th March at Laurelhill Sports Zone.
Organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in collaboration with the Sports Development Unit at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the PSNI, the ‘Springs Knights Football Championship’ aims to provide an alternative for young people and increase participation in sport at times when communities are perhaps vulnerable to anti-social behaviour.
Speaking about this initiative, Councillor Scott Carson, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP said, “Traditionally during the lighter evenings, there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour. This project is designed to provide young people with an opportunity to become involved in sport in a safe and secure environment. I would encourage community groups to put forward teams to provide our young people with an alternative regarding how they spend their Friday nights”
Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee commented, “The project is a fantastic initiative to get young people involved in a leisure activity on a Friday evening, which is quite often a period when many young people increasingly need a safe environment to engage in a positive activity. Football is a universal sport and as such should be used as a medium to address problems with anti-social behaviour and promote respect and fair play, which are important values for young people to take into their future.”
District Commander for the Lisburn & Castlereagh area, Superintendent Sean Wright commented, “Making sure young people do not become involved in anti-social behaviour is a job for everyone. We all want to see our young people enjoy life but not to the detriment of their future or indeed their health. They should congregate in safe and secure areas where they can channel their energy into something positive and productive. This championship can show the young people of this district a healthy and constructive way to spend time and meet new friends.”
Matches kick off at Laurelhill Sports Zone on Friday nights between 9.00pm and midnight. Teams should consist of up to 8 players with 5 playing and 3 rolling subs. Registration forms can be obtained from Sports Development on 028 9250 9566 or by emailing Kelly.irwin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Registration closes on Friday 26 February 2016.