An East End community centre has launched a new football club to help keep children mentally and physically healthy for free.
Dennistoun’s Bluevale Community Centre has partnered with Whitehill Secondary School to bring children over the age of five free training and access to football facilities.
Kenny Trainer, project manager at Bluevale Community Centre, said: “Through the community, we found that kids are not able to play football as they are not able to afford it.
“There’s no free football in this area, so kids aren’t playing sport because it costs too much money and we want to help with that.
“We could be missing out on the next amazing players because of how much it costs to play football.”
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The 36-year-old added: “There’s a lack of pitches and facilities around the area and to get a football pitch is challenging. Dennistoun, as a whole, hardly has any football pitches.
“Even the ones that want to play can’t because there’s nowhere to do it, and this is why kids can’t play football because there are no facilities.”
The reported lack of facilities and affordability to play football led Bluevale to create the free club, Community Football, for children aged five and over.
The club will have kickabouts on Whitehill Secondary School’s pitch every Tuesday from 5-6pm, with girls, boys, and children with any additional support needs welcome.
Kenny said: “I just want to get kids more active and make the sport more accessible.
“Kids don’t play on bits of grass like they used to, they don’t play football the way they used to. I really just want to get kids out there and get them more active.”
Kenny added: “Cost of living is going up so much. So many parents tell me they have to choose between putting the heating on, and kids are then in the house playing their computer and games and using up electricity.
“So, if we can get them out and more active - helping their mental and physical health - that’s the aim.”
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The club also ensures inclusivity by splitting the Whitehill pitch into three, depending on age range.
The club’s plan is to use one pitch for five to eight-year-olds, another for 10 to 12-year-olds, and one for 13-plus years, ensuring a rough 7-a-side pitch for each age range.
Each session is a mixture of football training and playing games, amongst other things.
Kenny stated: “The main thing is enjoying it, and that comes from participating in the sport.
“Having a ball at the kid’s feet is what it’s all about.”
The all-new club has already created a buzz in the community.
Kenny said: “There has been a lot that have signed up, so there’s a huge demand for it.
“We’re extremely excited especially that there is a demand for it. There’s nothing like this in the area.”
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The first session kicked off on Tuesday with more than 40 young people in attendance.
Kenny said: "Community Football went amazing.
"It was great to see so many young people being able to play football free of charge.
"I feel this will be great for the local community going forward."
If you’re interested in signing up, email liam@bluevale.cc.
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