Young people in Barrow can enjoy free football sessions this Easter as Westmorland and Furness Council teams up once again with Furness Youth Work Partnership to bring back Turn Up and Play football.
Taking place at Barrow Astro Turf Pitches (ATP) in Barrow Park, the sessions will run on Wednesday 9 and 16 April, and Thursday 10 and 17 April, from 2pm to 8pm. Open to young people up to 18 years old, there’s no need to book - just turn up.
Footballs and bibs will be provided on pitches hosting the Turn Up and Play competitions and/or coaching activities, while those taking part in free play on pitches are encouraged to bring a football along. Young people are also encouraged to bring a water bottle which can be refilled at the water fountain at the pitches.
This initiative follows a successful pilot in summer 2024, which saw hundreds of young people - sometimes up to 80 per evening - actively engaging in football due to free access to the pitches. The project led to a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour on the pitches and encouraged young people to share their views with youth workers and Westmorland and Furness Council staff.
As part of ongoing support from Westmorland and Furness Council’s Furness Locality Board, professional youth workers from Furness Youth Work Partnership will be delivering detached youth work at the Easter sessions, providing engagement and support for young people. This work is funded through a £25,000 investment over two years to support multi-agency youth work across the community.
The council is now also exploring opportunities to run free Turn Up and Play Football sessions during term-time after school.
Furness Locality Board Chair, Councillor Tony Callister, said:
“We received fantastic feedback from both young people and parents who really enjoyed the scheme last year and wanted it to return, so we are delighted to bring it back this Easter.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Barrow. By supporting initiatives like this, we encourage young people of all ages and abilities to get active, have fun, and connect with others - all for free.
“Healthy and happy lives are a priority for the council, and sport plays a huge role in community life. These pitches are a valuable asset, and I hope this project continues to inspire and engage young people while giving them a voice in shaping local leisure activities.”
Local ward members for Ormsgill and Parkside, Councillors Beverly Morgan, Derek Brook and Bill McEwan, said:
“As local ward members, we’re proud to support this initiative and have been working closely with council officers and the Furness Youth Work partnership to help make it happen. Turn Up and Play is a brilliant example of how we can create safe, welcoming spaces where young people feel encouraged to join in, try something new, and build confidence. It’s not just about football - it’s about belonging, well-being, and giving our young people the chance to thrive. We’re looking forward to seeing many of our young people in Furness getting outside, getting active, and connecting through sport.”
Cath Corkill, Chairperson of Furness Youth Work Partnership, added:
“Sport is essential for young people’s development and mental well-being, so we are proud to support this initiative once again. Our professional youth workers will be on hand around the pitches, providing detached youth work and engaging young people in a range of activities.
“By working together, we can create more opportunities and positive outcomes for young people and their families across Furness.”
For enquiries about Turn Up and Play Football, please contact barrowatp@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
