South Northamptonshire football sessions for girls and over-50s kick-off again as coronavirus lockdown eases

Two popular football activity sessions in south Northamptonshire are now back on the field for the first time since coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased.

The Wildcats sessions for girls aged five to 11 at Towcester Recreational Ground and the walking football sessions for over-50s at Blisworth Football Club have started-up again while following Covid-19 guidelines.

Annabelle Jones, eight, attended the first Wildcats session and her mother, Hannah Jones, said: “Thanks for a great first session back.

"Kieren's hard work really showed through and it all went smoothly, topped with calm, collected and fab coaching.

"My daughter had fun and it was nice to see the girls back.”

The government gave the green light for grassroots football to return on July 17, with training in groups no larger than 30 until Friday (July 31).

Cllr Karen Cooper, the portfolio holder for wellbeing at South Northamptonshire Council, which organises the sessions, said: “At the start of lockdown, our healthy communities team were quick to respond and offered alternatives for both children and adults to exercise safely from home.

“You may have already been following the video workouts created by our youth activator, Kieren Westbury, which proved to be very popular among families.

“As soon as restrictions were eased, Kieren was keen to get the district back into action, and it’s great to see that he has managed to start running some of his free activity sessions again while following government guidance on social distancing.

“There was a great turnout when sessions kicked-off again last week, with both children and adults alike delighted to be back outdoors and socialising with friends while at a distance.”

Both sessions are free of charge - walking football is on Tuesdays from 10.30-11.30am and Wildcats is on Wednesdays from 4-5pm.

For more information about either of the sessions, email Kieren at [email protected].