There will be a definite sense of football fever today, when the Doncaster Rovers Community Foundation team travel to Derby to compete an inter-regional tournament.
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s Game On Inter-Regional Tournament will be held at Lees Brooke Community Sports College in Chaddesden.
The annual event will bring together teams from Doncaster Rovers, Derby County, Hartlepool United and Wigan Athletic to determine who will represent England in the Game On Home International Tournament, which will take place in Scotland in November.
All youth teams taking part in the tournament are also involved in Game On; an initiative which encourages youngsters from coalfield communities throughout the country to use football to learn more about the benefits to living a healthy lifestyle, as well as team work, social interaction and inclusion.
Marie Hepburn, Club Doncaster Foundation’s Community Manager said: “The regional tournament is a fantastic event and gives our team the opportunity to interact with other players from clubs throughout the country. It’s great that they can all showcase just how hard they have worked over the past year.
“This year is Doncaster’s first at the event and it is sure to be a great day for all involved. We’re urging those who can, to join us in Derby on the day and not only support the team but also show their appreciation to all of the volunteers who help to bring this initiative to life.”
The tournament will culminate with winner’s trophies being presented at the IProStadium where, shortly afterwards, all staff and participants will get the chance to watch the professionals in action at the Derby County vs Millwall match.
The Game On programme, delivered as a result of a collaboration between the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the only organisation dedicated to supporting the coalfield communities to help themselves, and The Football League Trust, has encouraged more than 700 young people this year to play safe and organised football in their local areas.
The programme takes children who would typically find it difficult to access sporting clubs or organised social groups, and delivers training sessions to those living in some of the most socially deprived coalfield communities.
Each club is awarded a grant through the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which is then match funded by other local organisations.
For more information, see www.coalfields-regen.org.uk.