Street Soccer Scotland and Hanlon Stevenson will be extending its fruitful partnership until the end of the year.
Hanlon Stevenson’s five-figure funding supports youth programmes across Edinburgh, allowing players to access free football and other initiatives in the capital.
Over 300 youth sessions took place across 2022, with more than 4000 players benefitting from weekly drop-in sessions, tournaments as well as additional support to parents and families involved with fuel vouchers, food support and clothing.
The partnership has also provided access for players to Hibs fixtures at Easer Road, as well as mascot packages and other activities.
One parent highlighted the impact the programme his having on their child by adding, “my son has gained so much confidence since starting Street Soccer in Leith. He has met new friends and now loves football. The Street Soccer team ensure all the kids are enjoying themselves which is most important. They teach them discipline and respect for each other ,rain or shine they are always there for the kids which is amazing.”
The ongoing support from Hanlon Stevenson also allows Street Soccer to develop its partnership work, with sessions alongside YMCA Edinburgh progressing in to the new year. With one-to-one mentoring available for youth players, alongside a popular new girls session and work within local primary schools, we are excited for a big year ahead with YMCA.
Association Manager for YMCA Edinburgh, Mike Kerracher added:
“Our partnership work with Street Soccer has remained instrumental to the youth work offer we provide in the community. There’s a flexibility and commitment that makes working together to deliver youth sessions and supports both easy and impactful. Through the partnership work we have been able to engage with more young people than we could alone, deliver a wider variety of activities in a range of settings and for those most vulnerable young people offer tailored, bespoke support to meet their needs.”
The impact that Hanlon Stevenson’s support is having in Edinburgh is clear to see and with all sessions free and accessible to players under the age of 16, we look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces at Street Soccer youth sessions in 2023.
If you’re keen to learn more about our work in Edinburgh, please contact Robbie Wood on [email protected] or get in touch with John Taylor to find out more about our youth session on [email protected]