A STREET football club has been launched in East Tilbury for 11 to 18 year olds who are interested in taking up a sport activity and meeting new people within the community.

Funded by Thurrock Community Safety Partnership, and run by the Thurrock Inspire Youth Team, the street football club is available every Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm at the Gobions Park Football Hardcourt, off Princess Margaret Road in the village.

Thurrock Council's cabinet member for education Cllr Barry Johnson, said: "The street football club is a great way for our young people to come together to not only have fun and get better at playing football, but also to develop their key teamwork and leadership skills and perhaps discover a hidden passion for a sport. This is all whilst helping them to keep fit and healthy, meet new people and broaden their social circles.

"Whilst Gobions Park has unfortunately seen vandalism and anti-social behaviour which ruins the park for everyone, running this project will help show how much can be done in our parks to make them more of an attraction for those of all ages.

"Those interested in joining the club are invited to come along to the next session and see if it's for them – there's no obligation to sign up to the full programme and no pre-booking is required. The club is completely free and our Youth Workers will be on hand to share details of other helpful sessions our young people can get involved in."

To find out more about the sessions email [email protected].