Football cage keeps youngsters on the ball

08/04/2008

Youngsters enjoyed a game of football in a giant gladiator-style cage in Barnes Park.

The A690 Youth Initiative launched the portable cage in November last year in a bid to get young people involved in a positive activity, and drive down antisocial behaviour.

And this time it was the turn of Hendon-based Young Asian Voices to test their soccer skills in the 15-metre wide structure.

Stephen Slack, develop-ment youth worker, said: "It was the first time that they had used the cage, and the response was excellent.

"They were very impressed and wanted to know when then can use it again. About 40 young people turned up.

"We would like to thank Ian Corner from Sunderland City Council's parks department, who gave them permission to use Barnes Park, and Northumbrian Water, who provide free refreshments during A690 activities."

The cage, which is one of only two in the country, can be moved anywhere it is needed, and is being used on the streets of Thorney Close, Grindon, Farringdon, Plains Farm and Silksworth.

The full article contains 183 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Last Updated: 08 April 2008 2:39 PM

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