Riverside - Bend it like Brazil

14 April 2010

As England gears up for the World Cup in South Africa, youngsters in Haydock took part in a more modest football tournament. In a bid to combat anti-social behaviour by bored children and teenagers in the Easter holidays, housing association Riverside funded a Brazilian Soccer Schools tournament. Tanya Marsh, of Riverside Housing said: “As the world’s most popular game, football has always been a powerful way of bringing together people from different backgrounds to play, watch and enjoy the game.
“We teamed up with Merseyside Police and Helena Housing to integrate young people with adults in authority and break down barriers created by ignorance or prejudice. “As well as promoting community cohesion, the tournament was a great way of keeping kids fit and healthy as well as developing their self-esteem and team skills.” Merseyside Police Community Support Officer Ian Hinton said: “This was a great opportunity for the police and its partners to engage with the local children and young adults of the area in the beautiful game. “By actively engaging with the locals we can help to promote the benefits of team working, keeping fit and most importantly having fun. Plus it allows the local community to see the various agencies in a different light working to address the needs and desires of the area.” Riverside and Helena are also funding regular Brazilian Soccer Schools classes: • Monday – Newton Boys club – 5:00pm – 6:00pm under 6 to under 8’s • Tuesday – Newton Boys club – 5:00pm - 7:00pm social inclusion open age group • Wednesday – Rainford High school – 3:30pm – 5:30 – year 6 and 7 • Thursday coming soon age to be decided on demand • Friday – blackbrook – 7pm till 9pm 10years to 13years • Saturday – beacon leisure – 10am till 11am 10yrs to 13yrs For more information contact Ray Owen, Head Coach at Brazilian Soccer Schools St Helens on 01744 611 098 / 07545 092 371 or r.owen@icfds.co.uk