With the easing of restrictions for organised grassroots sport, AITC was able to run its popular Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer Schools for children aged five to 13 years old in eight venues in Sussex including Brighton, Eastbourne, Hassocks, Horsham, Uckfield, Worthing and Steyning with a new venue in Hove added to meet the huge demand from parents.
In total 877 children took part in two weeks of football fun with AITC coaches learning to play the Albion way and making new friends in a safe environment.
Alongside the popular soccer schools the charity also provided a two day football camp for people with a disability at the Falmer Sports Complex attended by 54 children and young people.
With schools shut for the holiday period, the charity also ran a programme of activities within a selection of schools for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Chief Executive of the charity Matt Dorn said: “After a year of restrictions it’s been wonderful to see so many families get involved in our sessions over the Easter holidays. We have kept in contact through an innovative programme of virtual online activity throughout the year but being back playing football together in-person is extremely special.
“The pandemic has been hard for so many people and seeing the popularity of our Easter sessions just shows how important the power of football is in people’s lives. We have had to add additional sessions and venues to meet the demand from families including a new soccer school in Hove at Cardinal Newman school.”
A wide range of weekly in-person sessions are now being delivered by AITC across Sussex including, education workshops and courses, weekly football sessions, after school clubs, health and wellbeing support and an inclusive football programme for people with a disability.
To find out more about the activities available from Albion in the Community visit: www.albioninthecommunity.org.uk or email: info@albioninthecommunity.org.uk