Spurs star Dele Alli has helped launch a new Tottenham Hotspur Foundation programme which aims to boost youngsters’ confidence and help reduce levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in Haringey.
The Tottenham Hotspur Community Football League, which runs in partnership with Haringey Council and the Metropolitan Police, runs every Friday evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at the Duke’s Aldridge Academy. Local Under-14 teams play in the league and compete against each other each week.
As well as providing a space for youngsters to play football, the programme organises workshops for the teenagers to discuss the challenges they face in the community and gives them practical tips to overcome these issues. These sessions are designed to build the self-esteem and confidence of the youngsters, helping them to get back into education, training or employment and steering them away from potential unemployment or crime.
Dele said: "The opportunity to play football was so important to me as I was growing up and this new football league the club is running is a brilliant way of getting young people from this area together to play sport and meet friends within a safe environment."
Cllr Eugene Ayisi, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Having grown up in Tottenham, I’m thrilled that we, Spurs and the police are coming together to reduce anti-social behaviour and give young people opportunities on their doorstep through sport."
Richard Allicock, Community Development Manager, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: "We are really proud of the work we have achieved setting up this football league. This is a huge opportunity for young people who are passionate about sport to come down every week and play with their friends. We are delighted to have the support of both the Metropolitan Police and Haringey Council as we work together to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour in Tottenham."
