Youngsters pot the cash for junior league
A group of youngsters from Warwick have potted £5,000 to set up a junior pool league in the district.
The aim of the Junior Pool League is to keep young people out of trouble and involve them in positive activities. Thanks to a £5,000 Crimebeat award, almost one hundred young players are already involved and the league expects to expand even further in the autumn.
The Crimebeat initiative, which is funded by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and supported by the private sector, is managed by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People scheme. Crimebeat aims to reduce crime, the fear of crime and create safer communities.
The pool league was the brainchild of young people at Racing Club Warwick. Although pool is one of the most popular activities (particularly with the 14-17 age group) there were limited opportunities to play competitively because most leagues played in pubs. When a group of young people from St Patrick’s Club in Leamington accepted the challenge to play Racing Club Warwick, the idea to establish a junior league was formed.
Jim Wright of Racing Club Warwick said: “We have found that pool is one of the main activities that has helped keep young people off the streets and we are really grateful to Crimebeat for making the league possible. The young people are really taking pride in their game and its very rewarding to see them striking up unexpected friendships with rival teams from neighbouring areas.”
Although young people from Racing Club Warwick were responsible for putting forward the Crimebeat bid and organising the league, junior pool players from across the district will benefit from the funds which will assist with transport costs between matches, reconditioning and replacing pool tables, and of course, cues.
The Crimebeat initiative, which is managed and delivered by Positive about Young People across Warwickshire is continually looking for groups of young people to apply for funding for their community projects. For more information contact Mark Bolton, Warwickshire Crimebeat Coordinator on 02476 754174 or email crimebeat@warwickshire.gov.uk