Fauldhouse Street Football kicks off

Mar 12 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

AN all-new football initiative aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour and promoting a positive lifestyle and health activity has been rolled out across the county.

Street Football has arrived in West Lothian with a portable football pitch – bought with cash from the Strategy for Tackling Under Age Drinking fund – kicking off in Fauldhouse last Friday afternoon.

It was the first stop of a 12-week pilot project which is also bound for Knightsridge, Dedridge and Addiewell.

The initiative is open to 12 to 17-year-olds, both male and female, and players can turn up in a team or as an individual.

Councillor Jim Walker, executive councillor for culture and leisure, said: “A portable football pitch is a fantastic idea which will allow the Sports Development Team to take Street Football on tour.

“The scheme will complement the highly successful Midnight Football project which runs on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also an opportunity for businesses to participate as the team is looking for local sponsorship for adverting on the boards that make up the pitch.”

The initiative is a partnership between the council, Lothian and Borders Police and West Lothian Youth Action Project.

The portable football pitch is transported around on a trailer and can be set up in any open space bigger than 20metres by 15 metres.

Suitable to be laid out on any surface the pitch (15 metres x 10 metres) can be quickly assembled and is ideal for transporting into a local housing estate, school playground or supermarket car park for a few hours.

Games are between four and five-aside depending the age of the youths and this weekend the Street Football adventure visits Knightsridge between 1.30pm and 3pm.

Exact locations are still to be confirmed – look out for information in your local library, Council Information Services (CIS) centre and online www.westlothian.gov.uk

For information about the pitch or sponsorship opportunities please contact Scott Murray, Sports Development Assistant, telephone: 01506 776184 or email scott.murray2@westlothian.gov.uk