A FOOTBALL coach says he would love to see more young people from the community joining free sessions as he seeks to inspire a new generation from the grassroots.
Rich Goulding, who coaches at the Warndon Playing Fields near Warndon Hub in Shap Drive, Warndon, Worcester said he would like to see more new faces at the Saturday sessions.
The sessions, running every Saturday in Warndon since February this year, are part of a partnership between Community Sports Foundation CIC and councillors Jill Desayrah and Ed Kimberley.
Sessions for five to 11-year-olds take place between 9.30am and 10.30am and there is another session for children aged 12 and over between 11am and noon.
FUN: Rich Goulding says the focus is on fun, keeping children active and building a sense of community (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
Designed to give children and young people in the area more opportunities, the programme offers accessible and inclusive football sessions that focus on fun, teamwork, and personal growth.
A spokesperson for Community Sports Foundation CIC said: “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations and local elected members work together.
“We are grateful to Councillor Jill Desayrah and Councillor Ed Kimberley for their support and commitment to creating opportunities for young people in Warndon.
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“The funding they secured in 2026 enabled us to launch the programme, and thanks to the hard work of Coach Rich and the enthusiasm of local families, the sessions have gone from strength to strength.”
Coach Rich leads the sessions each week, creating a supportive environment where children of all abilities can develop their football skills, boost their confidence, stay active, and make friends.
The sessions have steadily grown in popularity and are now seen as a valuable part of the community.
The programme is designed to be inclusive, ensuring every child can take part regardless of previous football experience.
It places equal importance on enjoyment, participation, and personal development.
With funding secured in 2026, Community Sports Foundation CIC launched the sessions to provide a positive outlet for children and families.
The success of the Warndon programme has led to the creation of Community Sports Foundation FC, a fully inclusive football club offering pathways for players of all abilities.
Of particular note is the club’s disability football pathway, which supports participants from the age of five through to adulthood.
This ensures that children, teenagers, and adults with disabilities can access regular football in a supportive and welcoming setting.
The wider work of Community Sports Foundation CIC across Worcester aims to break down barriers to participation and make football accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability.
The organisation delivers a range of grassroots community sessions as well as long-term development opportunities.
The sessions not only promote physical activity, but also help develop life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience.
