Footballers Kick Off Easter Tournament

7 April 2011, 15:49 | Updated: 7 April 2011, 15:52

Northampton Leisure Trust’s street footballers are preparing to compete in a three-day five-a-side football festival taking place at the Racecourse over the Easter holiday.

Over 200 young footballers from Northampton’s street football projects will be taking part in the tournament which runs from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 April 2011 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Coaches and volunteers from the projects have handpicked the squads of 10 eight to 18-year-olds based on their attendance at practice sessions and their good behaviour.

The street football project aims to teach young people new skills, how to be team players as well as valuable social and communication skills.

Everyone taking part in the tournament will receive a medal and the winning team will get to watch Northampton Town Football Club play at Sixfields. Other honours up for grabs include best skills in the game, best save, most fair player and winner of a penalty shoot out competition.

Street football officer Gavin Lewis said: "The festivals are always a lot of fun for everyone taking part. Although it’s a competition that all the teams want to win, players get along great and the atmosphere is amazing.”

Although the teams have been chosen for the Easter tournament people can still get involved as the organisers are always on the look out for new players and volunteers to help run the sessions.

For more information call Gavin on Northampton 838458 or email glewis@northamptonleisuretrust.org.uk.