Emma Hardy MP Champions Benefits of Youth Football as part of The FA’s #FootballFootprint Campaign

• Local MP Emma Hardy visits annual Under 7’s Open Day with Hull & District Youth League and the East Riding FA.

• Emma was recognised for her support for the local grassroots game with The FA’s Grassroots Champion award.

Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, set the morning with the East Riding FA and The FA to learn more about the benefits of youth sport and the work that is going into widening participation and improving grassroots facilities in the area.

During her visit, Emma cheered from the side lines as local Under 7’s teams took to the pitch for the Under 7’s Open Day hosted by the Hull & District Youth League. This annual Open Day welcomes new players into the game in a fun and engaging setting.

This year’s open day also marked a year since the introduction of East Riding’s Smoke-Free Side Lines initiative which was launched in partnership with East Riding FA, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull & District Youth Football League, East Riding Girls League, Active Humber University of Hull and Tigers Trust. The initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle whilst providing young players with a fantastic playing environment.

To recognise Emma’s support for grassroots game in Hull and Hessle, the East Riding FA and the Hull & District Youth League presented her with The FA’s Grassroots Champion award.

This visit is part of the #FootballFootprint campaign that is being run by The FA, the not-for-profit national governing body for football in England, in conjunction with local County FAs. The campaign is giving MPs an opportunity to meet with the army of workers and volunteers that make grassroots football possible at a local level and to visit showcase sites, initiatives and matches.

Emma Hardy MP said:

“It was great to have the opportunity to visit the Under 7’s Open Day and see first hand how The FA and East Riding FA are working to increase the opportunities for young people to have a positive experience of sports from an early age. It is so important that we strive to ensure that young people can access football at a grassroots level. I was honoured to be awarded with The FA’s Grassroots Champion award today as part of the #FootballFootprint Campaign and I’m thrilled to support the great work being done in Hull and Hessle.”

Rachel Sullivan, Football Development Manager, East Riding FA said:

“We were delighted that Emma could join us for what was a fantastic event introducing new players to football. Thanks to our committed staff and volunteers we are able to create an inclusive and open environment for people to experience the game. It is their hard work that helps us to deliver diverse and welcoming grassroots football for thousands of players week in, week out.”