Stockport County Community Trust has been delivering a wide range of programs for young people in Adswood and Bridgehall.

From June to October, the Trust ran weekly football sessions at the Adder Park MUGA and Bridge Hall MUGA, offering accessible, structured activities for young people aged 10 to 14. Over the course of five months, this initiative engaged 100 young people, helping to build their self-confidence, self-esteem, and football skills.

Beyond football, these sessions played a crucial role in strengthening community ties. A significant highlight was witnessing young people from Adswood attending sessions in Bridgehall and vice versa. Initially, many participants were hesitant to step outside their own area, but the sessions helped bridge that divide, fostering positive interactions and friendships.

In addition to delivering engaging football sessions, the Trust also worked to provide further opportunities for young people by signposting them to local junior football clubs. This ensured that participants could continue developing their skills and remain involved in structured activities beyond the initial project.

Michael Donnan, Youth Engagement Coach at Stockport County Community Trust, shared some inspiring stories from the sessions:

“I recently met Child A during our Adswood Adder Park youth engagement sessions. I’m excited to share that he has now signed up to join my U13 grassroots football team. Child A had previously struggled with discipline at other clubs, but through our work in Adswood, his parents reached out to me, expressing a strong desire for him to join my team. This shows the trust and positive influence these sessions have had on young people and their families.”

Another powerful example is Child B, who had been attending sessions in Reddish. Michael shared: “Last night, I was thrilled to see Child B exchanging phone numbers and social media details with her new friends from the session. She has really come out of her shell, and her personality has transformed significantly thanks to these sessions.”
These personal stories highlight the deeper impact of these initiatives beyond just football, they help young people develop social skills, build confidence, and form lasting connections within their communities.

At the Violence Reduction Unit, we are proud to support initiatives like this that empower young people, strengthen community bonds, and provide safe spaces for positive development.

Article posted on: 18/03/2025 11:03am