Fri 14 August 2009, 12:00
Tottenham HotspurAs the Premier League season kicks off, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation teamed up with Enfield Council to stage an event aimed at encouraging more youngsters to start playing football in the Borough's parks.
As the Premier League season kicks off, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation teamed up with Enfield Council to stage an event aimed at encouraging more youngsters to start playing football in the Borough's parks.
The authority's 'Jumpers for Goal Posts' campaign aims to revitalise park football.
It dovetails the Foundation's own Enfield-based initiative called ‘Park Life', which delivers free football and multi-sports sessions to Enfield youngsters aged 11-18 at three of the Borough's parks.
Jamie O'Hara, attended a showcase event with local youths put on by Foundation coaches at Ponders End Recreation Ground to show his support for both schemes.
He said: "Playing football over the park with my mates when I was young served an important role in the development of my game at that age. Especially during the school holidays, it's great that youngsters in Enfield are getting the chance through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the local council to enjoy the game in a fun and safe environment.
"If projects like Park Life can not only improve kids' fitness levels but also keep them away from anti-social behaviour, then its something everyone at Spurs can be proud of."
Cllr Matthew Laban - Enfield cabinet member for community safety and Spurs fan added: "I have noticed all over London there are less youngsters playing football in parks as there used to be ten or 20 years ago.
"If we can get more youngsters playing in our parks it would great for their health and, who knows, we could unearth an undiscovered gem and a soccer star of tomorrow."
