Press Release

Street footballers reach national finals

11/04/08

A Northampton football team has won a place in the finals of a national competition after defeating teams from across the East Midlands.

The finals of the Your Game festival will be held at Birmingham City Football Club on Sunday 18 May, and New Girls on the Block will be there representing the Northampton Street Football Project. Last month the team beat all comers in Nottingham to become the East Midlands female champions.

The Your Game festival is a football tournament funded by BBC Sports and the Football Foundation. Across the country teams of males and females aged 16 - 25 have been competing in regional heats to get to the national finals.

At the Your Game Nottingham festival players also had the chance to test their skills as a 1xtra DJ and Match of the Day commentator. FA coaching workshops were also available to players interested in becoming a qualified referee or coach.

Councillor Brendan Glynane, Northampton Borough council cabinet member for leisure said: "The team have put in a lot of hard work to reach the finals and are worthy representatives of both the street football project and Northampton. The council's street football project has been a huge hit across the town. Over 200 street footballers join sessions to develop their football skills, teamwork and demonstrate fairplay."

Northampton Borough Council street football project officer Gavin Lewis said: "The team have been rewarded for their time, dedication and attitude. They are an example of what the street football project can achieve. Winning in Nottingham was a fantastic achievement and they can't wait to get to Birmingham in May."

The street football project is always keen to get more people involved either as players or volunteers helping to run sessions, if you would like more information on the scheme or details about how you could involved please call Northampton Borough Council’s street football officer, Gavin Lewis on 01604 838458 or email glewis@northampton.gov.uk