Kirklees Together

Young people in care have proudly represented the council in a prestigious, national sporting event.

Along with care leavers from around the country, they took part in a football tournament at the home of Premier League giants Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Care leavers are young people – usually aged late teens or early twenties – who have been looked after by the local authority but are now moving towards more independent lives.

This National Championship Cup is the only football tournament of its kind, and the team of young people from Kirklees excelled themselves by playing four games without defeat. They also proudly received recognition for designing the best kit.

The teammates were delighted to take part, with their comments including:

“It was an event which I will remember forever. The way the team bonded and worked together was amazing. People that have never met were working together to achieve the same goal.”

“The tournament made me realise that with teamwork and commitment anything is possible.”

“The tournament was amazing. We ended up winning two and drawing two in the group stage, with no goals scored against us. It felt like a privilege to play on a Premier League pitch.”

“Events like these are important to many people. Sport is one of the many ways people distract

themselves from any current issues in their life.”

Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:

“It’s really important to us that young people in Kirklees who are leaving care to lead independent lives are given the best opportunities to thrive and excel.

“They have often had very difficult times in their lives and faced more challenges than other young people, which can lead to longer-term barriers.

“The football tournament was a fantastic chance for our team of local young people to gain new experiences and to meet others. It gave them confidence, support and a real sense of achievement.

“We do a great deal of work to improve the lives of our young people in care. We’re proud of them and we want every single one of them to reach their full potential.”

Participation in the event was kindly supported and sponsored by the Huddersfield Town Foundation and O’Neills Sports of Huddersfield.

Could you offer support?

Huddersfield Town Foundation have set up a fundraising platform. All monies raised go to Huddersfield Town Foundation, who work closely with our Care Leavers and Children in Care teams in supporting young people to deliver events, activities and enrichment opportunities for care experienced young people throughout the year. Read more at Huddersfield Town Foundation: Fundraising for Care Experienced Young People.

We also welcome any fundraising ideas so we can continue to offer opportunities like this one. If you’ve got an idea, let us know at CareLeavers@kirklees.gov.uk