By DAVID COULTER

Published at 07:38, Wednesday, 06 March 2013

FOOTBALL: CLUBS in the district are to get together on a regular basis to help develop the sport.

Teams in Tynedale have met to form the West Northumberland Football Development Group, aimed at coordinating football programmes in the area.

Hosted by North Country Leisure’s sports development team, and supported by Northumberland FA and Newcastle United Foundation, the group’s ultimate aim is to get more local people playing football.

Kathie Keady, of NCL, said: “We will work together to identify what local football clubs need, and how we go about addressing those needs.

“For example, if a team identifies a need for girls or if there is not enough players for an U11 team, we will work with clubs to get as many people playing as possible.

“This group is for the benefit of local clubs but if they don’t come forward then we don’t know what they require.

“We want to support sustainable clubs with clear pathways for players and as much opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to access sport in this area.”

The group will provide an opportunity for clubs to share best practice and pool resources, while also getting advice and updates on FA procedures,such as safeguarding issues.

A main goal is to sustain and grown the game in a coordinated manner, making sure not to duplicate the delivery of existing programmes in the area. Every club, senior and junior, in the Tynedale and Ponteland area is invited to join the group.

It is proposed that the group will meet four times a year, the first get-together scheduled for Monday, April 22, at NCL House, Hexham Business Park, at 6.30pm.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk