Backing sought for estate team
A youth football club that keeps children off the streets is looking for sponsorship in case its funding isn’t renewed.
The Hawtonville estate club was the idea of Police Community Support Officer Amanda Wheatcroft and is credited with reducing anti-social behaviour.
Hawtonville is the biggest housing estate in Nottinghamshire and is classed as one of the most deprived nationally.
Due to its size, it has traditionally had high levels of anti-social behaviour but work by the residents, police, councils and other organisations is having a positive impact.
Activities have been set up for young people, including the football club, where money from Newark and Sherwood District Council pays for two coaches at a cost of £50 per session.
PCSO Wheatcroft said there were fears the funding may not be renewed in June as the council looked to make savings.
PCSO Wheatcroft’s husband, Mr Ian Wheatcroft, a carpet-fitter and cleaner, has offered to help and will pay for a new kit.
There are about 30 players, aged five to 16, who attend Saturday morning sessions on Cherry Holt Park.
“I am fighting for the funding to continue, but if it doesn’t we need to find an alternative,” PCSO Wheatcroft said.
“These youngsters get so much from playing. It gives them confidence, discipline and enjoyment when otherwise they would be playing in the street with no supervision.
“I’m not saying they would be up to no good but they would be bored.”
She hoped coaches might be willing to offer their services free, or a local business would provide backing to ensure the club can continue.
If support is not renewed, the club will fold or have to charge players an attendance fee, which PCSO Wheatcroft said some parents would not be able to afford.
Alexis Knock, the district council’s community development manager, said: “The football sessions held at Hawtonville, as a result of great partnership working between the district council’s sports development team, the county council’s Targeted Support Team, the police and Newark and Sherwood Homes, have clearly been a success.
“We share the concerns that the removal of these diversionary activities could have an impact on the behaviour of the young people taking part.
“Options are being looked at in order to maintain the provision, including parents or other volunteers taking on the sessions, but work is needed to find a solution.”
The issue will be discussed at the next Castle Partnership Plus meeting on May 30.
Anyone interested in helping can contact PCSO Wheatcroft on 07595 074426.
