Young players from former coal mining communities in Yorkshire have been putting their football skills to the test and competing in a bid to qualify for the in the upcoming Coalfields Regeneration Trust Home International 2019 tournament.
Assembling from some of the most deprived communities in the country, 42 boys from the Trust’s Game On England weekly turn up and play ‘Football 5ives’ sessions split into six teams and competed for the chance to represent their country at the prestigious final to be held later this summer.
The qualifying tournament, which saw boys aged between 14 and 16-years-old, took place on Friday 14th June at Dorothy Hyman sports centre in Barnsley. Denaby Football 5ives beat Dinnington Football 5ives in the penultimate match.
As a result, both teams have earned a place to represent England at the Home Internationals Tournament in Manchester against clubs from Scotland and Wales.
During the Internationals, players from the UK’s former mining communities will showcase their football abilities during the competition, which is just one element of the Trust’s award-winning sports programme that aims to improve the health, skills and self-esteem of young people from some of the most deprived places in the country.
Kat Clarke, Development Manager for Game On England, comments: “As an organisation, our focus is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in former coalmining communities throughout the UK. It was an extremely gratifying moment to see this in action during the qualifying tournament, whilst also watching these young players have so much fun.
“This tournament allows boys of similar age and backgrounds to come together, make new friends and take part in a competitive football tournament. Not only that, but the winners get the opportunity to represent their country against other clubs in Scotland and Wales.
“This is an extremely exciting and rewarding event that sits firmly on the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s calendar. Not only do we see young people interact with those they would never usually come across in a safe and carefree environment, but they also get to take part in a active and fun football tournament. I cannot wait for the final!”
