Young people under the age of 18 in Barrow can enjoy free football sessions every Friday throughout August thanks to Westmorland and Furness Council.
Following the excitement of the Lionesses’ recent triumph and the incredible journey of Barrow’s own Georgia Stanway, Westmorland and Furness Council is launching the return of Free Friday Football for young people in Barrow this August.
Working in partnership with Furness Youth Work Partnership (FYWP), the initiative offers young people under 18 the opportunity to enjoy free, fun and inclusive football sessions throughout the summer holidays.
Three sessions are planned every Friday evening in August at the Barrow Astro Turf Pitches at Barrow Park from 5pm to 5.50pm, 6pm to 6.50pm and 7pm to 7.50pm.
This youth-led programme builds on last year’s success, with each 50-minute session designed to give everyone a fair chance to get involved and win prizes.
All you need to bring is a football and a refillable water bottle as a fountain is available at the pitch.
To ensure a safe and inclusive environment, sessions will be managed with appropriate youth worker-to-participant ratios.
Each session is supported by professional youth workers delivering detached youth work on-site, offering safe, structured, and welcoming play for all participants.
The initiative is part of the Council’s ongoing investment into youth provision in the Furness area which includes a two-year, £25,000 fund from the Furness Locality Board to enhance multi-agency support.
Councillor Tony Callister, Chair of the Furness Locality Board, said:
“We’re delighted to bring back Free Friday Football following such positive feedback last year. With Georgia Stanway once again flying the flag for the Furness-area and inspiring the next generation, this programme is about more than football, it’s about giving every young person the chance to be active, feel included and aim high.”
Cath Corkill, Chair of Furness Youth Work Partnership, added:
“We’re proud to team up with the Council to bring detached youth work to this initiative offering free football sessions to young people across the area. Through sport and youth work, we’re supporting physical and mental wellbeing while strengthening connections across our community.”
Georgia Stanway’s continued success on the world stage reflects the power of community support and opportunity at grassroots level. Westmorland and Furness Council remains committed to nurturing that potential, with initiatives like this creating space for all young people across the area to live and thrive.
To find out more about Free Football Friday please email: barrowatp@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk