Local Football Leagues Empower Youth in Kensington and Chelsea and Surrey

Girls in Kensington and Chelsea are set to follow in the footsteps of the Lionesses as they gear up for a new football league starting this September. Teams can compete at the renowned Westway Sports & Fitness Centre, with the initiative backed by the Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Currently, five teams have signed up for the league, aimed at school-age girls, with efforts ongoing to increase participation by encouraging more teams to join. The boys’ league, supported by the Council as well, boasts 23 teams and over 160 players, showcasing a thriving youth football scene in the area.

The boys’ league recently celebrated its final matches, where Kensington Impact FC, DSS FC, and Henry Dickens emerged victorious in their respective categories. The Mayor, Cllr Will Lane, honored the winners by presenting them with trophies at Westway Sports & Fitness Centre.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new initiative, Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Leisure, highlighted the inspiration drawn from the summer of sport, with the ongoing Euros fueling passion for football across the UK. She encouraged parents and guardians to support their children’s interest in the sport and engage in the upcoming league activities.

Transitioning to Surrey, the Surrey County Council has granted Ashford Town (Middlesex) Football Club nearly £100,000 from the Your Fund Surrey Large Community Projects fund to establish a modern 3G community football pitch. This significant investment marks a crucial advancement in grassroots football within the region, specifically in the borough of Spelthorne.

The new 3G pitch will serve as a state-of-the-art facility catering to local teams, schools, and community groups, fostering a vibrant environment for players of all skill levels and ages. Surrey County Council’s commitment to enhancing community sports infrastructure and promoting active lifestyles in the local community is clearly demonstrated through this project.

Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities, lauded the support extended to Ashford Town (Middlesex) Football Club, emphasizing the positive impact the new pitch will have on community well-being. Nick Bailey, Ashford Town Club Chairman, expressed gratitude for the funding, highlighting the project’s alignment with the club’s community-driven philosophy.

The investment signifies Surrey’s dedication to promoting football at the grassroots level, aiming to engage diverse groups including women, people with disabilities, and underrepresented communities. This initiative comes amidst the excitement surrounding England’s national team performance in the 2024 European Championship, further fueling enthusiasm for football development at the local level.

Aside from large community projects, Surrey County Council also provides funding opportunities through initiatives like Councillors for Your Fund Surrey Small Community Funding and Your Councillor Community Funding, facilitating further support for community-based projects and activities. This investment aligns with the growing momentum behind football in England following the national team’s recent success in the European Championship.