SWINDON Town Football in the Community Trust's ‘Twilight Football’ programme, soon to be known as ‘Youth Sport Swindon’, is leading the way in addressing anti-social behaviour and crime in Swindon.

The programme continues to expand, with sessions running at Oakfield Youth First Centre in Walcot, Oaktree School, Isambard School and the Link Centre, with the aim of engaging with participants aged between nine and 24 who are referrals from local schools and youth projects.

The scheme is funded by the Big Lottery and supported by Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police and youth agencies, and has strong ties with Stratton Education Centre.

Clive Maguire, Trust manager, said: “The programme has taken on a new image in the recent months, increasing opportunities and pathways for participants.

“The social inclusion programme now aims to develop and nurture its participants into different pathways, whether it is providing work experiences, volunteering, further education or enhanced qualification opportunities for example FA Level One and Two in football coaching qualifications.

“This will result in the participants having the more chance to secure employment in the future.”

Dave Chapple, STFiTC Twilight Football development officer, said: “The fact that we are able to engage these groups of young people in a football session and then be able to offer them the opportunities to impress, from seeing a positive footballing attitude and behaviour, is great.

“It’s fantastic that Gladys Barr from Swindon Borough Council has been successful in securing this Big Lottery funding and I am sure this will make a positive impact on lots of young people’s futures.”

For more information on the programme please contact Dave Chapple on 01793421303.