Football on the Move
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Local youngsters getting a kick out of the new mobile football pitch. |
Youngsters at Frobisher Road Estate, Erith, are enjoying regular games of football organised by the London Borough of Bexley, thanks to a mobile football pitch provided by the Bexley Community Safety Partnership.
Young people on the estate have been complaining for some time about the lack of youth facilities in their immediate area. Following on from the successful clean up day in March earlier this year, some young residents have continued to work with the London Borough of Bexley to suggest ways forward.
Delivering a football activity was difficult in Frobisher Road because the only grass area is often overgrown and is very uneven. The new pitch, which is 12m x 8m and comes with its own soft floor, can fit into confined spaces such as car parks.
Local lad, Billy Knight, 22 said: I have lived on this estate since I was nine-years-old. There has never been a day like this. I just wish that we had a pitch like this when I was growing up. It will reduce crime, mark my words."
Cllr Katie Perrior, Cabinet Member for Community Affairs, said: "This is a wonderful idea and I am delighted to hear it is already proving a major hit with young people. The fact that the pitch can be taken and set up anywhere creates endless opportunities to bring this type of activity into every community.
"Providing activities like this for our younger residents is an essential part of addressing the borough's strategic priorities, including reducing residential burglaries and anti-social behaviour. This mobile pitch will allow us to provide a facility in places where there is a need but currently no facility exists."
The Council's Neighbourhood Services team, working in partnership with Charlton Community Scheme and the police, will continue to provide the activity at Frobisher Road on Friday evenings between 6pm and 8pm.
