Award-winning theatre company Slung Low has launched subs-free Holbeck Moor Football Club. Open to all adults, the men’s and women’s teams will begin weekly training on Holbeck Moor on Wednesday 23 June 2021 at 6:30pm.
Ewan Speck, coach of Holbeck Moor FC’s men’s team explained:
“I have played football since I was a child and know what it can do for improving mental health and fitness. I wanted to be part of creaRng a space where everyone feels safe and fully part of the team – that’s why I chose a husky logo. I know Slung Low’s ethos of never saying no to anybody, so I approached them with the idea of an inclusive football club for men and women.”
Ruth Middleton, Producer at Slung Low, and Holbeck Moor FC Secretary said:
“There’s no adult sports team in Holbeck. So when Ewan, a member of our community, tasked us with starRng an inclusive football club, knowing how sport can be a powerful catalyst for change, we couldn’t resist taking on this new challenge.”
Based in Holbeck, Slung Low’s activities and performances are always provided on a Pay What You Decide basis. And to remove some of the barriers to participation, Holbeck Moor Football Club will be subs-free, and players supported with transport and anything else they might need.
Alan Lane, Artistic Director at Slung Low, and Holbeck Moor Co-Chair explained the need for physical activity in the area:
“We know fewer than one in ten Holbeck residents access the local leisure services. And yet the mortality rate, linked to coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity and COPD, is higher in this area than the Leeds average. So as we wind-up our food bank next month, this is a natural progression of our commitment to the health outcomes of the community we serve.”
Claire Blue, Holbeck resident and coach of the Holbeck Moor FC’s women’s team agreed:
“We want to encourage people who may have never kicked a ball before to take part, football is about so much more than winning; it’s about community and supporting each other.”
Anybody interested in joining the club can email holbeckmoorfc@slunglow.org or call 07305 155698.
This post is based on a press release issued by Slung Low
