6 week skills programs launched in Darlington

Last Updated: Monday, Nov 30, 2009, 9:11

Excert from Press Release for a Local Paper in Darlington

YOUNG people are proving to be on the ball when it comes to boosting their fitness thanks to a new project in Darlington.
Street Soccer aims to give children Ronaldo-like ball skills and encourage them to play sport to improve their wellbeing.
Organised by Darlington Borough Council’s Zone Active, the initiative is backed by NHS Darlington and the national charity Street Games, which strives to get young people active and involved in sport.
Street Soccer sessions, to hone ground and air moves, are being staged at five schools across the borough for six weeks for boys and girls up to the age of Year 7.
A Saturday morning drop-in club is also being held from 9am to 10am at Darlington College for ages seven plus.
Youngsters can then continue their skills training by logging on to a special website that takes them through a breakdown of the particular move they are trying to learn that week.

Zone Active co-ordinator Chris Parkinson said: “Ball skills are not really associated with the British game; it’s the sort of skill that immediately makes you think of South America.
“The aim is to give the young people the skills to embarrass their opponents, ball mastery like putting it through their legs.
“We want them to practise in their backyards and gardens and if possible get their family to join in.
“It encourages them to make positive choices about the game that then transfer to other aspects of their lives.”
Public health specialist Ken Ross said: “Street Soccer is a fabulous way not only to get boys and girls active but also for them to develop useful skills.
“Being active is vital to stave off a host of serious diseases later in life including diabetes, heart ailments and cancer.”