Street games initiative grows in the Dales

26 February 2010

A nationally recognised Street Games initiative delivered to the ‘doorsteps’ of young people by Derbyshire Dales District Council is growing.

The District Council already delivers Street Games in Matlock on Monday evenings and in Bakewell on Friday evenings – now the project has been extended to Ashbourne.

In partnership with Derby County Football in the Community, the District Council’s Ashbourne Recreation Ground will be the focus on Saturday evenings between 6 – 8pm for a range of sporting activities for youngsters aged 11-19 years.

The first session in Ashbourne will take place this Saturday (27 February).

Chairman of the District Council’s Community and Environment Committee, Councillor Mrs Janet Goodison said: “Providing activities for local people – especially our youngsters – remains a top priority for us. Street Games is an excellent initiative that gives young people an opportunity to develop their sporting and leadership skills, either by taking part in 'doorstep' sport or by volunteering.

“Crucially it is an organised activity that is free and gives them something positive to do and achieve during an evening. Anti-social behaviour is not a major issue in the Derbyshire Dales but we are not complacent and initiatives such as this help to secure the area’s status as one of the safest places to live in the UK.”

For more information, contact Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Youth Sports Development Officer Marie Widerman on 01629 761380, email marie.widerman@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.