More than 2,000 young people have taken part in Your Spaces, a Wolverhampton programme delivering free sports, physical activities and youth engagement opportunities across the city.
Delivered by Wolves Foundation in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and funded by the Premier League Foundation, Your Spaces is designed to encourage positive use of public places and help reduce anti-social behaviour. The programme involves numerous local grassroots organisations working together to run sessions at multiple venues.
Sessions have attracted high attendance, with up to 80 young people joining each one. Tim Johnson, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton City Council, visited a Your Spaces session in Heath Town to see the initiative in action.
"It was really inspiring to watch so many young people enjoy free activities, make new friends and take up opportunities right on their doorsteps," Johnson said. "Your Spaces is making a real difference in communities across Wolverhampton, and the enthusiasm of those taking part and the strength of the partnership behind the programme shows just how successful it has become in a short space of time."
Partnership working and future pathways
Kurran Kullar, Youth Engagement Manager at Wolves Foundation, said the programme has engaged many new participants at different venues. "The partnership working between the Foundation, the council and so many different groups and organisations from across the city has been extremely successful," Kullar said.
The foundation has also used Your Spaces sessions to create pathways for participants to join Premier League Kicks activities elsewhere in the city.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, described reaching 2,000 participants as a fantastic achievement. "I would like to thank Wolves Foundation and all of the partner organisations involved for their commitment and hard work," Ahmed said.
Participant feedback
Young people taking part in Your Spaces at Heath Town praised the programme. Abel said: "What Wolves Foundation do here is amazing; everyone is entitled to have fun and that is what we are doing. I live nearby and every time I see they are here I come down – whether you know people or not it's a great chance to play sport."
Evie added: "I really like Your Spaces because it helps me to socialise with other girls who like football and helps bring us together. If I wasn't here, I would probably be at home not really doing anything."
Heidi said: "I like making new friends and speaking to people who I haven't met before." Channelle added: "It feels very inclusive and I have made a lot of friends."