Bideford youth teams get premier help

Bideford Football Club has set up and run two new colts teams at Under 8s and Under 10 levels thanks to a £3,000 grant from Torridge District Council's Youth Initiative.

The money has directly funded training and training kits for those age groups, as well as a new playing strip, and football equipment such as balls, goals, first aid equipment, nets, hurdles, poles, batons, cones and bibs for all age groups. In total, over 90 youngsters have benefited from the grant so far.

Neil Blackburn, Colts' Coach at the Club said, "The grant funding from Torridge District Council has enabled us to not only grow the Club, but the feedback that we have had from the players has been brilliant, they feel really proud to turn up for training and for matches dressed the same, looking smart and representing their town. The kit provision ensures that all children from 6 to 16 have the opportunity to take part on a completely even footing, in high quality Adidas kit, with suitable equipment, regardless of their financial situation."

One of the players to receive the new strips is Finn Davies, aged 7. He said, "I play for Bideford AFC Under 8's - we are the Robins! I love playing football and like all my other team mates. It's good to meet friends from other schools. Last week we played in our new kit - it's really cool. I'm playing as a striker number 10 but also like to go in goal. The kit is the best football kit ever as before we all wore different colours and now we all look the same and very smart."

Leader of Torridge Councillor Barry Parsons added, "The Youth Initiative Budget was put in place for this very purpose – to give the youngsters of Torridge an opportunity to do something that otherwise would have been denied them. It's great to see it making a difference."

So far groups that have received funding from this budget include: Holsworthy Youth Service, Bideford Cricket Club, Great Torrington Adventure Training Group, Young Devon and Torrington Police Amateur Boxing Club.

For more information on the Youth Initiative Budget look at www.torridge.gov.uk/youthbudget or call 01237 428756.