Inspiring the Next Generation
Football making a difference
That's exactly what is happening at Next Generation Football who offer weekly football sessions for Girls & Boys in West Berkshire of any ability for 7 to 15 Year Olds, whether they are just starting to play or in addition to their grassroots club.
Recently they raised money for Local Charity Loose Ends who provide meals for Vulnerable and Homeless people in Newbury through a boot exchange where boots can be donated and sold onto players, in addition to this there was also a food donation night on the 21st November where each child donated an item of food which will be an enormous help to Loose Ends leading into the winter months.
Linda Ferguson of Loose Ends commented "Thank you to Next Generation Football for their generous donation of money and food including tins, rice, pasta, biscuits etc to Loose Ends Newbury. Loose Ends is a drop-centre in Newbury serving food to the homeless, vulnerable and those in need, 5 times a week. We are run solely by volunteers who prepare and serve healthy, hot meals in a safe and friendly atmosphere. We also offer mini food parcels, toiletries and clean clothes to all those in need. Loose Ends started 32 years ago and was at Newbury Baptist Church until last April when we moved to Newbury Cricket Club at Northcroft Lane. We have befrienders visiting Loose Ends to help and work with clients and we plan to increase this work. We also hope to increase our number of volunteers and are very happy for people to join us."
Rich Matias, owner of Next Generation told us "it's great to help out a local Charity and none more deserving than Loose Ends, when I came up with the idea of Fundraising, I must say I had never heard of them but looking into it, they do an outstanding job and felt we could really help them out so I'm glad we were able to do this.
As well as working with the Berks & Bucks FA as a Kit Drop off Hub in Newbury where any old boots or kit can be donated and then sent to the Berks & Bucks FA to distribute to less privileged children we have also signed up to be a part of Reading FC's Sister Club Programme where we can access discounts on Tickets but also get to enjoy events like the Pre Match Coaching Experience which we are taking part in, in the new year.
For me it's all about the experience the kids can get while playing football, the opportunities we can give them and the positive experiences they gain through football like our Halloween Spooktacular which was just a totally fun evening which was attended by Reading Womens player Tia Primmer, the kids got to win a lot of sweets and also meet a professional women's footballer."
Also along on the night was Antony Rich owner of local company AR Door Systems who are the main sponsor of Next Generation Football who explained why he got involved with the group "After speaking to Rich and what has been achieved already since July and his future plans for Next Generation he didn't have to ask me twice to get involved, it's important for local companies to support each other and football is a game for all and it's great that next Generation Football can help the community and also the kids who attend as they all really enjoy themselves so I'm glad I can help them out as well."
Next Generation Football run every Monday at St. Barts School in Newbury from 6pm Until 7:30pm new players are always welcome, for more info email nexgenfootball@outlook.com
Loose Ends are looking for Volunteers so if interested then please contact them at recruitment@looseendsnewbury.org
