Free football sessions help 'break down barriers'

Free football coaching sessions have been organised to "break down the barriers" to children playing the sport.

The scheme is funded by the owners of Bracknell Town FC and the sessions are open to 80 children, aged 5 to15, each week throughout the summer.

Coach Jason Elwell said it was important to remove "financial barriers" to children playing football.

For sessions have been held so far and one of those taking part, 12-year-old Lara, said it had helped her make friends and boosted her confidence.

Coach Jason Elwell, who has been leading the sessions every Friday, said "Our sole focus is participation above performance and to remove that financial barrier for parents."

One participant, 12-year-old Rosina, said the scheme has helped her "open up a lot".

She said: "When I first started the sessions I was really shy, I didn't make a lot of friends, and now I have lots of new friends."

Eleven-year-old Mila said: "[Football] means so much to me, it takes your mind off things when you are a bit stressed."

Tristian, father of seven-year-old Joshua, said his son had "always struggled with that winning and losing aspect of it, but here it's all about shaking hands and being a team".

"He has grown a lot since coming here," he added.

Louise said her son, 11-year-old Josh, "really enjoyed the sessions".

"I see his confidence building learning new skills, he leaves the sessions full of confidence and is always excited to come back," she said.

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