Inclusive Leeds football club set up in Holbeck with training on pay-as-you-feel basis

Holbeck Moor Football Club will hold training sessions on a pay-as-you-feel basis, with no fees required.

Players on the men's and women's teams will be provided with childcare and transport when needed, in the hope of removing financial barriers around sport participation.

The club has been set up by theatre company and community organisation Slung Low, which also runs a food bank from its base in The Holbeck social club.

The team were approached by Holbeck resident Ewan Speck, who wanted to encourage more people in the area to get involved in sport.

Ewan, who will coach the Holbeck FC men's team, said: "I have played football since I was a child and know what it can do for improving mental health and fitness.

"I wanted to create a space where everyone feels safe and fully part of the team.

"I know Slung Low’s ethos of never saying no to anybody, so I approached them with the idea of an inclusive football club for men and women.”

The club will begin weekly training on Holbeck Moor from Wednesday June 23 at 6.30pm.

People of all abilities are encouraged to take part, even if they've never kicked a ball before.

Slung Low's artistic director and co-chair of Holbeck Moor FC, Alan Lane, added: “We know fewer than one in ten Holbeck residents access the local leisure services.

"And yet the mortality rate, linked to coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity and COPD, is higher in this area than the Leeds average.

"So as we wind-up our food bank next month, this is a natural progression of our commitment to the health outcomes of the community we serve.”

Anyone interested in joining the club can email [email protected] or call 07305155698.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.