Story added: 3rd September 2025

Dozens of young people have been taking part in FREE football sessions in Mile Cross this summer

The sessions – which are part of the wider Premier League Kicks Programme – were set up this summer at Sloughbottom Park. The programme was delivered by the Community Sports Foundation and funded by Norwich City Council in a drive to give local young people more activities in their local park.

Two Norwich City Women’s players, Grace Riglar and Millie Daviss, joined Cllr Claire Kidman, Alice Macdonald MP and Emma Dix at a recent session with a host of young people at Sloughbottom Park.

Councillor Claire Kidman, cabinet member for culture, community and wellbeing, said: “It’s great to see so many local kids getting involved – football is healthy and fun, it’s a fantastic sport. Our goal is to see much more of this kind of thing on the all-weather football pitch we’re looking to get installed at Sloughbottom Park – it would be a real win for local young people and the community in Mile Cross.”

Rupert Appleton, Head of Inclusion at Community Sports Foundation commented “If the all-weather pitch at Sloughbottom Park goes ahead, it’ll make a real difference. We’re ready to deliver regular sessions here, giving local young people a consistent, safe space to stay active and engaged. It’s a much-needed resource that would help us reach more of the community, all year round. We’re also committed to providing ongoing support to the Mile Cross area through a range of other projects over the next year.”

The free Premier League Kicks sessions use the power of football to engage young people aged 8–18. Led by qualified coaches and youth workers, the sessions include warm-ups, skill drills, small-sided games, and coaching support. They also aim to reduce barriers, help participants build confidence, develop life skills, and stay active.

Alice Macdonald, Member of Parliament for Norwich North said: “This is a great initiative for young people, encouraging them to be active and use their local facilities – I am delighted to see Norwich City Council and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation working together to provide these sessions.

“I’m also excited by the prospect of an all-weather pitch at Sloughbottom Park as part of exciting plans for the area, backed by Government investment, which will help unlock even more opportunities.”

Emma Dix, from Joe Dix Foundation said: “The regeneration of Sloughbottom park will provide much needed improvements to this community space in Mile Cross and will hopefully reduce the anti-social behaviour that currently happens there. Young people will have access to new sporting facilities including the new all-weather pitch and sport delivered by qualified coaches such as the Community Sports Foundation.

“The café and community room could also be used to provide young people with activities, a safe space and positive support. Young people participating in sports, and other organised activities are learning to stay active, build good relationships and are less likely to be hanging around aimlessly and getting themselves into trouble.”

Plans to install an all-weather pitch along with a host of other improvements are part of wider plans to revamp Sloughbottom Park.

For more information on the plans to revamp Sloughbottom Park go to: www.norwich.gov.uk/sloughbottompark