Northampton Street Sports scheme aims to break barriers

Tasha Faulkner (left) said the project "gave young people a voice"

A community sport scheme is providing a "safe space" for disadvantaged children, its organisers say.

Northampton Street Sports aims to create a positive change in the lives of young people across the town.

Private company Trilogy Active says it runs the sessions, in partnership with local councils, for free or at a "very low cost" and across seven locations.

Tasha Faulkner from St James Community Youth Club said the project "gave young people a voice".

She said: "Young people in this area are quite segregated, so they tend to have to go to separate primary schools away from each other.

"It gives the young people of the St James community a place, hopefully a voice and most importantly somewhere safe for them to have fun."

The events are led by a team of qualified coaches and feature sports including football, basketball, dodgeball and offer a chance for children to engage with other people in their communities.

They also offer arts and crafts, and food and drink for participants.

The scheme counts England and Brentford footballer Ivan Toney among its alumni, who is from Northampton.

Rachel Collings, from Trilogy Active, said it was important to "use sport as a positive diversion activity to engage children and young people".

She said the activities can help build resilience and communication skills among children.

James, Amelia and Maia said they enjoyed attending the sport sessions

James, aged 10, said the groups were "really fun" and that "lots of people have welcomed me to come to [the] youth club".

Maia, 11, said: "It's always really fun here. People here are friendly and cheerful."

As well as St James, the sessions are also held in Bellinge, Danes Camp, Kings Heath, St Davids and Thorplands.