Littlehampton celebrates return of Youth Football Tournament

A two-day youth football tournament, hosted by Littlehampton United Youth Football Club, is returning on 26 and 27 June at Buckingham Park in Shoreham-by-Sea. The event will see 120 U7-U16 youth football teams from across London, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, and Sussex battle it out on the pitch.

 

Head Coach and First Manager of Littlehampton United FC, Chris Horner, said: “This annual event has been running since 2018 but last year, due to COVID-19, it had to be cancelled. This year the tournament is back, bigger and better than before, with a record number of teams signed up to take part. Like many team sports, youth football has been severely hampered by the pandemic. The Club is very grateful to SafeSite Facilities for its sponsorship of this year’s event, which will celebrate the return of youth football and bring everyone back to the pitch safely.”

 

 

Football is the most popular team sport in England. Of children aged 5 to 10, roughly 31 percent play football at least on a monthly basis, which is only surpassed by swimming. At age 11 to 15 football becomes even more popular with approximately 44 percent in this age group playing regularly.

 

As well as supporting physical health, exercise helps to release natural chemicals in the body that alleviate muscle tension, raises the body’s core temperature and causes tiredness. These factors all help to relieve stress and provide relaxation.  

 

Football also plays a vital role in the formation of friendships. It helps young people to communicate, cooperate, and work together. Football can also support children’s academic achievement as it teaches values such as commitment and discipline.

 

“We know playing football helps kids to stay fitter, stronger and healthier; both mentally and physically”, said Michael Knibbs, Managing Director, SafeSite Facilities.

 

(Michael Knibbs, SafeSite Facilities)

 

He continued: “With so many young people denied access to the pitch during the pandemic, we wanted to show our support for this local youth football tournament, which is taking place on our home turf. Everyone taking part will have a chance to show off their football skills and have the possibility of collecting some much missed and wanted silverware at the end of it. We’d like to wish all the teams taking part in the event the very best of luck.”

 

Littlehampton United Youth Football Club is looking for volunteers to help out during the tournament; setting up goals, collecting car park fees, manning food stalls, and refereeing. If you think you can help please contact the Club Secretary on secretary@littlehamptonunited.co.uk.