Services
News release
Big kick off for new season of night football
A new season of night football in West Lothian is set for kick-off.
Five locations across West Lothian will be taking part in the Bank of Scotland Midnight League, a free national five a side community football development initiative aimed at keeping young people off the streets and reducing crime levels and anti social behaviour.
The new 30 week season begins on the weekend of 26 and 27 October, and organisers hope the scheme will prove even more popular than last season, which saw over 350 young people register to take part.
Councillor Jim Walker, Executive member for Sport and Leisure, said: "Midnight football proved a winner with young people last season, and I?m sure this season will build on that success.
"An average of 170 took part each week in the first free night football sessions, and I hope even more young people will take the chance to keep active in a fun way this time around."
Livingston, Bathgate, Broxburn, Armadale, Blackburn will all host the Midnight Football leagues, which are being run by West Lothian Council's Sport and Recreation team in partnership with the community learning and development service, West Lothian Leisure, the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Lothian and Borders Police and the West Lothian Youth Action project.
It is funded by sources including the West Lothian Local Action fund, British Airport Authority Edinburgh, Sportscotland and the Bank of Scotland, while Lothian and Borders police will provide a presence at games to allow local youngsters to meet officers on a regular, informal basis, and help build relationships from both sides.
Each league is open to boys and girls aged 12 to 17 years, with 16 year olds and above having the opportunity participate in coach education in football through the SFA's entry level qualification course, Early Touches.
Venues and start date/time
Livingston (5 on 5)
Starts Friday, 26 October
8pm to 10pm
Broxburn Sports Centre Astro
Starts Friday, 26 October
7pm ? 9pm
Bathgate Academy Astro
Starts Friday, 26 October
8pm to 10pm
Blackburn Community Centre
Starts Saturday, 27 October
8pm to 10pm
Armadale Community Centre
Starts Saturday, 27 October
7pm to 9pm
For more information, please contact Scott Murray at West Lothian Council's Sports Unit on 01506 776184.
Date: 22-10-2007
