Weymouth & Portland Focus
Brief History
Weymouth & Portland Focus Football project came about because the Community Development Worker for Weymouth & Portland Borough Council – Julie Hursthouse, heard about the fantastic project that was taking place in Poole and the surrounding areas, and knew that this is type of project would benefit the Weymouth & Portland area tremendously.
A first meeting was held where over 40 interested parties turned up and said that they would like to be involved in the project.
It was agreed that the aims of the projects are to:
- Help drive the outcomes of Every Child Matters
- Bring together crime and disorder reduction agenda with creating safer and stronger communities
- Reduce childhood obesity and improve health in the targeted areas
- To support community groups and individuals to meet their sporting needs and ambitions
- Assist neighborhood improvements and social inclusion
The core group consists of Weymouth & Portland Safer Neighborhood Team, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, Weymouth Football Club, Dorset County Council Youth Services, Weymouth College and Active Dorset.
Funding has been successful obtained from Weymouth & Portland Partnership, and this was used to purchase football equipment and train 14 Police Officers up to level 1 football coaching.
At present – football coaching is taking place at Weymouth College on Wednesday evening between 4pm and 6pm and at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre on Wednesday evenings at 5pm.
The project is still in its early stages but it is hoped that in 2009 teams will be formed so that a mini tournament can take place.
If anyone is interested in getting involved in the project – either as participants or volunteer administrator please contact Julie Hursthouse
Email: Juliehursthouse@weymouth.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 838497