Budding young football players are being invited to hone their skills and learn more about keeping healthy when Bradford Council’s popular Striker 9 course returns in January.
The football coaching course for five to 15-year-olds of all abilities will be held at seven leisure centres in the district.
When Bradford Council ran the 10-week course back in October, more than 1,200 young people took part and similar numbers are expected when courses begin from January 17.
Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Sport and Leisure, Coun Andrew Thornton, said: "This football scheme has been a major success since it was introduced in Bradford. It provides young people with the chance to develop their football skills in a fun and challenging way and also helps them learn the value of following a healthy and active lifestyle.
"These sessions are being rolled out due to popular demand and we look forward to even more young people coming along and taking on the Striker 9 challenge.”
Participants will be taught by Football Association-qualified coaches to develop the core skills of control, dribbling, running with the ball, passing, turning, shooting and heading.
Run as an award scheme, children and young people will progress through nine skills bases and they will be rewarded with medals and certificates as they successfully pass each level and the entire Striker 9 scheme.
The programme will also teach those taking part about the rules and conduct of football, fitness and nutrition advice, and the value of a healthy active lifestyle.
Two new centres have been added to the Striker 9 programme. Baildon Recreation Centre starts their new 10 week course on Tuesday 17th January 4pm – 6pm and The Leisure Centre Keighley begins theirs on Thursday 19th January 4pm – 6pm
Sessions begin on the following dates, continuing at the same time every week: Marley Activities and Coaching Centre, Tuesday 17 January (4 – 6pm); Manningham Sports Centre, Sunday 22 January (11 -1pm); Nab Wood Sports Centre, Wednesday 18 January (4 – 6pm); Richard Dunn Sports Centre – Friday 20 January (4 - 6pm); Thornton Recreation Centre – Sat 21 January (9 – 11am).
The programme costs £35 (£26 for Passport to Leisure card holders) to take part in, including a £5 enrolment fee payable on booking. The remaining £30 can be paid in full or in £3 instalments over the 10 weeks.
For further information on Striker 9 or to book a place, please visit www.bradford.gov.uk/sport or call the relevant sports centre.
