Judith praises Tong FC for scoring big with young people in BD4

Judith Cummins has praised Tong FC, a football club in her constituency for its work building confidence and teamwork in young people from Holme Wood and Bierley.

The Bradford South MP joined Tong Football Club to see their training sessions in action, which see up to 40 young people from ages 4-14 take part in physical exercise, training drills and teamwork activities.

During the visit to one of their winter evening training sessions, Judith met parents and children and witnessed how the sessions help young people make friends and develop key life skills:

“It was amazing to see the energy that young people bring to Tong FC, encouraged by the enthusiastic team of dedicated volunteer coaches. I particularly impressed to see how training incorporated meaningful life lessons – from working as a team to the importance of learning from mistakes.

It was interesting to hear from parents and their children about the amazing impact being part of the club has made to them, giving young people a positive environment to grow in. One parent told me how Tong FC had helped her son to keep out of trouble, while another young lad told me that signing up had been nothing short of ‘life-changing’.

Programmes like this are a huge asset to the local area, and I commend Sean, Jacob and the team, and I will continue to support their fantastic work.”

Sean Simpson and Jacob Nyaundoh started the club last year to give local young people across BD4 more opportunities for sport and activity. In that short time, the club is already oversubscribed as they look to grow to meet the demand for more spaces.

Commenting after Judith’s visit, Sean and Jacob said:

“Community sports play an important role in promoting teamwork, discipline and wellbeing. The opportunity for our young athletes to meet and engage with their Member of Parliament was both inspiring and encouraging, and we are grateful for Judith’s continued engagement in our programme.”

Tong FC offer four training sessions every Monday evening based at Knowles Recreation ground and St Columba’s Primary School, Tong Street, with children from 4 to 14 years taking part.

Queries: tongfootballcoaching@gmail.com