29AUGUST 2007 NOW in its fourth year, the Harrogate district 'community football challenge' is growing in popularity and this year's challenge will be bigger than ever.

 

The community football challenge, for young people aged between 11 and 16, was launched in 2004 and continues to be supported by the Harrogate District Safer Communities Partnership, North Yorkshire Police, the 4Youth Service and the Sports Development team at Harrogate Borough Council.

 

This year's event, being held Harrogate Hockey Club on 29, 30 and 31 August, will not only showcase the football talent of teams from Fairfax, Jennyfields and Knaresborough Community Centres, but supporters can take part too by creating team signs in graffiti art or making short DVDs about their team.

 

When not on the pitch, there will be coaching in Brazilian skills for the team players.  Staff from the 4Youth Service will also be on site with their mobile unit offering help and advice for young people on a variety of topics.

 

Councillor Les Ellington, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Chair of the Harrogate District Safer Communities Partnership said:  "This community challenge has created some friendly rivalry in the very best sportsman like way.  We have heard a lot in the news recently about how football is a common language for young people.  We know that it can bring benefits to them as being part of a team, which shows respect for their competitors, is a great learning curve for their future behaviour."   ENDS