Football scheme helps former Rotherham mining areas

Game On will return to Rotherham thanks to a partnership between the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST).

The programme, which starts in September in Rotherham, has proved successful in other coalfield areas through link-ups with Derby County, Wigan Athletic, Hartlepool United and Doncaster Rovers.

RUCST will deliver weekly training sessions with the intention to bring together hundreds of children and young people to play safe and organised football on their doorstep.

They could even go on to represent their club and country at an Inter-Regional Tournament and an annual Home International Tournament.

Head of community at RUCST, Jamie Noble, said: “Game On is a fantastic programme, not only does it offer youngsters the opportunity to improve their health and fitness along with their social skills, but for a few nights per week parents can be safe in the knowledge their children are not hanging around the streets.

“We’re extremely pleased to be delivering Game On back to Rotherham and can’t wait to witness the positive effect it has on local young people and the wider community.”