Wolsingham junior football school given new equipment

JH Football School & Coaching, based in Wolsingham and led by UEFA-qualified coach Jason Howe, received the support from Bellway.

The company is building at The Old Foundry, a new housing scheme in the village.

Jason Howe, founder of JH Football School, said: "We work within a small budget so having these supplies is going to be a massive help.

The children play with some of the new footballs donated by Bellway. (Image: Bellway)

"Equipment comes at such a cost and the balls we have do take a beating.

"We also needed more mini-goals as we have smaller games on smaller pitches to keep all the kids involved.

"We have been using cones which serve a purpose but if you ask a child if they prefer scoring between a set of cones or into a goal with a net, they’d say into a goal every time.

"It was great when Bellway came back to us and said they would like to help.

"I hope they realise how much it means to the kids."

As well as footballs, Bellway has also provided four mini-goals to enable more children to be fully involved in the sessions. (Image: Bellway)

Mr Howe set up the school two years ago to give young people in the area better access to organised sport.

More than 70 children now attend weekly sessions held on Friday evenings at Wolsingham Leisure Centre’s floodlit 3G pitch.

Training is split into three age groups: five to seven, eight to 10, and 11 to 14.

The growing demand has increased the need for more equipment, such as footballs and goalposts.

Mr Howe said: "It all came about a couple of years ago when my son wanted to join a football team.

"One of the closest was about 12 miles away in Consett.

"He joined a team which was about to fold and I took that team on and realised that where we live in the rural part of Durham there was nothing for the kids."

The programme focuses on inclusion and enjoyment rather than competition.

He said: "We do try and instil an attitude of teamwork and respect but it’s not an elitist environment and we are totally inclusive.

"The three main things are for the children to have fun, make friends and play football – all while getting exercise, developing important life skills and building confidence."

Parents have responded positively to the sessions, reporting notable progress and improved wellbeing among their children.

Some children even travel from Upper Weardale and Cumbria to take part.

Bellway responded to Mr Howe’s appeal by donating nearly £500 worth of supplies, including 40 footballs, four foam balls, and four mini-goals for the youngest players.

Frank Lincoln, managing director of Bellway Durham, said: "JH Football School & Coaching provides an invaluable service to children living in Wolsingham and the surrounding villages and the growing popularity of the sessions demonstrates the strong appetite which exists among local youngsters to play the game.

"As part of our commitment to supporting the local community, we are pleased to make this donation of equipment which will help Jason and his team of coaches to provide opportunities for more young people to get involved in sport, make friends and develop important life skills."

Bellway is building 120 homes at The Old Foundry on the former Weardale Steelworks site off Durham Road.

As part of its planning agreement, the housebuilder is investing £234,000 in local infrastructure.

This includes a £224,000 contribution towards maintaining play and recreation spaces.

For more information about JH Football School & Coaching, visit www.jhfootball.co.uk.