More than 2,000 young people have already taken part in Your Spaces, a new initiative delivered by Wolves Foundation which is helping transform parks and open spaces into hubs for sport and other free activities.
Operating in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council and funded by the Premier League Foundation, Your Spaces is designed to encourage positive use of public places, which in turn is helping reduce anti-social behaviour.
Numerous local grassroots organisations have joined forces to deliver a wide range of sports, physical activities and youth engagement opportunities at venues across Wolverhampton – and the programme has seen a high level of engagement, with up to 80 young people attending each session.
The council's Chief Executive, Tim Johnson, visited the Your Spaces session in Heath Town recently to meet Foundation staff and see the initiative in action. He said: "It was really inspiring to watch so many young people enjoy free activities, make new friends and take up opportunities right on their doorsteps.
"Your Spaces is making a real difference in communities across Wolverhampton, and the enthusiasm of those taking part and the strength of the partnership behind the programme shows just how successful it has become in a short space of time."
Kurran Kullar, youth engagement manager at Wolves Foundation, added: "Your Spaces has made a really strong start, engaging with so many new participants at the different venues and delivering sessions in a really positive atmosphere.
"The partnership working between the Foundation, the council and so many different groups and organisations from across the city has been extremely successful.
"From a Foundation point of view, the sessions have also been really valuable in providing a pathway for a number of participants to join our Premier League Kicks activities delivered elsewhere in the city."
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, added: "To have already reached more than 2,000 participants is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the positive impact Your Spaces is having.
"I would like to thank Wolves Foundation and all of the partner organisations involved for their commitment and hard work. The model is one of excellence, demonstrating true collaboration with local grassroots organisations, and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow with further opportunities planned for young people across Wolverhampton."
Participants at Heath Town also praised the programme. Abel said: "What Wolves Foundation do here is amazing; everyone is entitled to have fun and that is what we are doing. I live nearby and every time I see they are here I come down – whether you know people or not it's a great chance to play sport."
Evie added: "I really like Your Spaces because it helps me to socialise with other girls who like football and helps bring us together. If I wasn't here, I would probably be at home not really doing anything."
Heidi said: "I like making new friends and speaking to people who I haven't met before." And Channelle added: "It feels very inclusive and I have made a lot of friends."
As Your Spaces moves into the winter months, a revised timetable of activities is now in operation.
Click here and scroll down to ‘Your Spaces’ for the current timetable.