
Supported by funding from East Suffolk Council, a sports programme in Felixstowe has successfully provided activities for young people in the area and reduced incidences of anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Rosie Smithson, East Suffolk ward member for western Felixstowe, allocated £2,780 from her Enabling Communities Budget to support an evening football project aimed at local young people.
Delivered by Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures, the programme ran for 20 weeks from April to October last year and enabled young people to turn up and play sport for free.
Catch22 worked with local partners, including East Suffolk Council and Felixstowe Police, to deliver the evening sports project using the grass area in front of the skatepark on Grange Farm Avenue – an area where Felixstowe Police are regularly called to.
Cllr Rosie Smithson said: “Strong community projects, such as this one, are important when tackling anti-social behaviour in our communities. With a reduction in the number of youth clubs and sports classes becoming less accessible to those who struggle financially, we must support initiatives like this. Sport has many benefits for younger people, not just physically but also mentally. Having engaging activities on offer can reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the lives of those taking part, as well as benefitting the local community.”
Rachael Partridge, Community Policing Team at Felixstowe Police, said: “As a Community Policing Team Officer working in Felixstowe, one of our priorities is the prevention of anti-social behavior. We were fortunate enough to have the support of the Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures project where staff offered young people regular football sessions. These sessions were well attended in an area where ASB is more frequent, and we were pleased that so many children decided to take part in this diversionary activity.”
By the end of October, 52 young people aged 10-18 years old had engaged in the project, with a total project attendance of 309.
Paul Knight, Project Manager for Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures said: “The young people’s response was enthusiastic about us returning next year. With a group of young people already established, we feel we can build on this year’s numbers. We are also hoping to re-launch in spring 2025, so look out for more information on this in the coming months.”