London Colney football project success

(4th June 2007)

A FOOTBALL project for young people in London Colney has been such a huge success that three similar schemes are due to open in St Albans District.

London Colney Juniors are going from strength to strength and are looking to recruit more players – both boys and girls – who want to enjoy a night of sport and fun locally.

The project was the brainchild of Police Community Support Officer Kelvin ‘Mack’ Mackenzie of London Colney’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“I was literally walking up the High Street when I bumped into a lady I knew who had been a football coach for young people in America. I thought it would be something our young people who like to get involved in locally.”

Mack approached the Base Youth Club in London Colney and got the support of Project Manager Gail Clifford and then roped in fellow PCSO Rich Donbavand, Tony Clarke – an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer for St Albans District Council and Gemma O’Flaherty of Hightown and Praetorian Housing Association.

Mack said: “We are all a great team. Rich is an avid football fan and player and Tony is like a mini tornado. So with all of our combined energy, the project really started to lift off.”

The Juniors currently play at two locations on a Wednesday night depending on the season – both sites generously donated free of charge by St Albans District Council and by Old Albanians Rugby Club.

Players get the benefit of professional coaching. The Juniors have recently recruited St Albans Ranger’s chairman Mark Simpson as a coach, who has offered his services at a reduced rate.

Watford FC have been very supportive of the project. Mark Aston, Watford FC’s general manager, provided the project with training kits and also arranged for defender Clarke Carlisle to present them to the team.

Other clubs are taking a keen interest, such as Paul Gustard and Ross Laidlaw of Saracens Rugby Club who came down to conduct a training session.

Local businesses have also been supportive. Tesco’s in the High Street, Sainsbury’s in Haseldene Road and Marks & Spencer in Colney Fields have all donated items.

Both Mack and Rich try to attend as many sessions as possible, with youth worker Dawn Robson being present at every session. Mack stated “We’d love to encourage more young people to get involved. We’d also like parents and other supporters to come down and see what we’re up to.

“If anyone is able to help with funding, we’d also love to speak to you. We are always looking for help with equipment or transport.

“The Juniors are getting bigger and better and with the expansion into other areas, we are forming our own league so we’ll be playing fixtures around the district and maybe further afield.”

The project is funded by the Y.O.F. (Youth Opportunity Fund) and Herts in Trust – a Constabulary charity with a generous contribution from Sports Relief.

London Colney Parish Council also donated funds towards the Juniors’ own football strip – which was supplied by Sportsworld at Colney Fields at a discounted rate.

Mack added: “We are hoping to get professionals from other sports to come and work with us – so if you’re interested in other activities, let us know.

“If you have a talent for something else, maybe athletics or basketball, then maybe we can point you in the right direction.”

If you’re interested in taking part or helping, please ring Gemma O’Flaherty on 01442 292300.

The project is due to expand into Wheathampstead, Sopwell and Cell Barnes. Further details will follow.

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