City of York Council has teamed up with York St John University and Sport England to offer young people across the city new, subsidised football sessions this autumn.

This new programme will kick off on Thursday 18 October at York St John’s all-weather pitch in Heworth, from 6-7pm. Aimed at young people aged 14 – 25 years old, it includes both boys and girls of all abilities and costs just 30p per session. Run by City of York Council, volunteer coaches are a much-valued part of the sessions.

The council has been able to subsidise the programme using Sport England’s Sportivate fund. This funding can also give participants – who attend over a certain number of sessions – a discount on the cost of sports training such as tuition to gain a coaching qualification.

Football has many health benefits; it’s a great aerobic workout as it involves running and sprinting which can improve cardiovascular health; it helps build strength, flexibility and endurance; it teaches team work and can help build self-esteem and increase confidence.

For further information contact Robin Lavin, City of York Council, robin.lavin@york.gov.uk or call 01904 553377.