Mexborough youth club re-opening proves big success

A BUMPER turnout greeted the relaunch of a Dearne youth club — and hopes are high of keeping the numbers up.

Mexborough Youth Club formally reopened its doors after school finished on Monday, with more than 60 children and teenagers joining the civic guests for the official ribbon-cutting.

Police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings wielded the ribbon-snipping scissors at the New Community Youth Club, which is based at the New Oxford Road sports ground in Mexborough.

The revamped, relaunched facility — open every Sunday and Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm — is the result of a partnership by Mexborough Athletic Club, which owns the building, and the New Life Church, which will oversee sessions for children of all ages.

Mexborough First councillor Bev Chapman said she knew the club well after many evenings of serving up hot dogs for youngsters and was delighted with the sizeable first-day turnout.

“It’s brilliant, the club has been totally transformed and has a really welcoming atmosphere for all the kids,” she said.

“Previously, it was mainly used by the older kids but now I think it will be enjoyed by everyone. It is aimed at ten- to 17-year-olds.”

The youth club grew from the Community Campus Partnership formed to deliver a project funded by the office of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.