The Manchester, Liverpool divide is being challenged by organisations in Trafford as young people from both sides took part in a day of footballing activities last week.
Trafford Council, the Leisure Trust, Manchester’s Territorial Army 207 Field Hospital volunteers combined to deliver the Building Bridges programme at Stretford Sports Village.
Led by the Trafford Armed Forces Partnership, the day included football matches and team-building activities as the children learned about issues facing service personnel.
Kerry Trow, Territorial Army 207’s commanding officer, said: “It has been really pleasing to be part of an event that breaks down cultural barriers.
“Our strength in the military is our ethos immersed in our values and standards, it’s not about gender, religion, cultural divides, it’s about team work and saving lives.”
Trafford are the only borough in Greater Manchester to have forged a Community Covenant for work such as this.
And Officer Trow was keen for Liverpool’s Netherley Wood Lane British Legion and Broadheath Central’s under 14s to learn how serving in the forces affects families in the area.
“We have helped introduce to the young people of this region our beliefs, they have met soldiers and Officers who have served in Afghanistan,” he added.
“And whilst it might not have made them better footballers, I am confident it will assist in them becoming better people.”
The children also received Heart Start training and Major Ray Jolly stressed the importance of supporting schemes such as this to educate people about the healthcare needed for soldiers.
“This event has improved the awareness of the part we play as North West Medics in the provision of world class healthcare in support of military operations,” he said.
Major Eddy Hardaker, who served in the Manchester 207 Field Hospital volunteers unit for five years, has recently returned from Afghanistan and is delighted to see the ties with Trafford Council.
“Events like this are amazing and it is nice to see the children enjoying themselves whilst breaking down barriers – friendship in football is my motto,” he said.
Trafford Council’s Executive Councillor for Safe, Strong Communities, Jonathan Coupe, said he is looking forward to building upon the work with the Armed Forces Partnership.
“This fantastic event brought together young people from different areas, breaking down the Manchester, Liverpool divide by offering a positive environment to socialise, keep fit and learn new skills,” he said.
Picture courtesy of TheBusyBrain via Flickr, with thanks
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