Aron Tesfay

Leeds City College and Street Work Soccer have teamed up with City to run a weekly football centre in East Leeds for youngsters aged between 6 to18 years.

It has gone from strength to strength since its establishment six months ago with more than 2,000 youngsters now involved in the project and 13-year-old Eritrean Aron Tesfay recently established in the under13s Platt Lane Academy squad.

Aron, who is originally from Eritrea in Africa and now lives in Lincoln Green with his uncle, was spotted while playing at the College at a Street Work Soccer session. He was fast-tracked for a six-week trial at City’s Academy which resulted in his recent signing.

He attends training sessions three times per week and will be supported with his education through the College link with his school, (Primrose High School) which is close to the College, and the education team at the club.

By coming together, Leeds City College, Street Work Soccer and the Blues hope to help address the issue of social inclusion, providing an alternative and appropriate leisure opportunity for inner city youngsters while helping to promote and engage them in education.

“What this project does is help channel young people’s energy into sport as opposed to less anti-social activities, the continued success of this project means the future looks bright for young players in the Leeds inner city area,” said Paz Shan, Director of Street Work Soccer.

Dawn Craven, Curriculum Manager for Sport & Fitness at Leeds City College added: “It is about presenting opportunities to young people – not all of these players will be lucky enough to pursue a professional career but they can build a successful career through education and we provide the options at looking to achieve that.”

City’s Yorkshire Regional Recruitment Officer Dave Harrison said: “Hopefully Aron will be the first of many talented young players to come through this project.

“We are now looking forward to continuing to work with the Street Work Soccer and Leeds City College, which has provided the perfect venue for this partnership and for coaching talented and enthusiastic players.”

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