Over the past year, Grimsby Town Foundation has been actively engaged in delivering two sessions per week as part of the GTF@Immingham project, funded by Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
This project was made possible by the support of the HPCC, who provided essential funding to bring the project to life.
Their commitment to community safety and well-being has enabled us to develop and implement initiatives aimed at making a positive impact.
Every Tuesday, we run a football session that not only teaches essential skills and techniques but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among participants.
This session has become a highlight of the week, providing young people with an opportunity to engage in physical activity, improve their game, and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
In addition to our Tuesday football sessions, we have hosted a multi-sports session every Friday. These sessions introduced participants to a variety of sports, allowing them to explore new activities, develop a diverse set of skills, and stay active in a fun, inclusive setting.
From basketball and cricket to athletics and team-building games, each multi-sport session is designed to encourage physical fitness, build confidence, and instil a love for lifelong activity.
Together, these sessions have become a vital part of the GTF@Immingham project, supporting the physical and social development of local youth and fostering a strong sense of community.
We’re proud of the impact we’ve made so far and look forward to continuing to provide these enriching experiences for many years to come.
Aims
The primary aim of the GTF@Immingham project was to provide diversionary activities within Immingham to help combat antisocial behaviour among young people.
By engaging participants in structured and enjoyable sessions, the project offered positive alternatives that channel energy away from negative influences and contribute to building a safer, more cohesive community.
In addition to the sports activities, each session incorporated bite-sized educational workshops covering critical topics like knife crime, antisocial behaviour, and other relevant social issues.
These workshops were designed to be engaging and informative, encouraging participants to reflect on the impacts of these behaviours and make informed choices in their own lives.
By combining physical activities with education, the project seeked to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to lead positive and responsible lives.
Overall, the project aimed to foster a sense of belonging and purpose, reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour, and create a safer environment for everyone in the Immingham community.
Impact and Numbers
The GTF@Immingham project has made a meaningful impact within the community by providing consistent and engaging activities for local youth.
Over the past year, our sessions have seen strong participation, reflecting the demand for positive outlets and structured activities among young people in Immingham.
Tuesday Football Sessions
With an overall attendance of 74 participants, the football sessions have successfully attracted youth interested in developing their skills, staying active, and connecting with peers. This high turnout indicates the value of sport as a tool for engagement and personal growth.
Friday Multi-Sports Sessions
Our multi-sports sessions have drawn 60 participants overall, providing young people with exposure to a range of activities. This variety not only keeps the sessions exciting but also allows participants to discover new interests, encouraging broader physical and social development.
These participation numbers highlight the project’s reach and the positive response from the community.
By offering regular, safe, and constructive sessions, we have been able to connect with a significant number of young people, helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and support their personal growth.
Coaches Case Studies
Community Coach Educator Luke Winfarrah, who has been delivering on the sessions said, “I have really enjoyed the Tuesday sessions having been involved with it for over a year now. The session was a much more laid-back session than others, due to lower numbers than other sessions.
The format for a Tuesday was turn up, pick teams and play a tournament for the hour which ran smoothly most weeks.
“We would regularly have 3 teams of 5-7 players, which was perfect for the venue size. I have enjoyed building the relationships with the kids and have seen many players ability grow from attending weekly sessions with us.”
Participants Case Study: Harvey’s Story
Harvey, A participant from our Immingham sessions said, “My favourite part of the session is getting to play with my mates in a ‘chill’ session where I don’t have to focus on winning all the time. I turn up and have a laugh. I also prefer the sessions when we get to play inside.
“I heard about these sessions from my mates who came to the first ever session. they told me it was decent, so I came down to try it and have been coming consistently ever since.
“I like the coaches that deliver the sessions, but my favourite coaches are Luke and Alfie because we can have a laugh with them, and they are not as strict.
“From attending these sessions regularly, I feel as though my fitness has improved because I’ve been doing so much running and my football skills have gotten lots better as I can come here and practice without the pressure of playing a match or team training.
“One improvement for the sessions would be to provide goalkeeper gloves for players to borrow during the session as I like playing in goal but only if I have gloves to wear.”
Participants Case Study: Corby’s Story
Coby, another participant, said, “I love Grimsby Town and I love football and sports, I live in Immingham so thought I would come along, I really enjoyed learning from the coaches and geeing to play loads of matches.
“I heard about the sessions from a friend who had been coming and they said it was really good so thought I would go and see for myself.
All the coaches that I have met from Grimsby Town Foundation have been really nice and kind. Over the year I have enjoyed developing my skills as a player and gaining more knowledge of the game. I would love for Grimsby Town to do more sessions in Immingham with football mainly but other sports too.
Conclusion
The strong demand and consistent attendance we have experienced throughout the GTF@Immingham project clearly demonstrate a genuine need for these types of community sports sessions within the local area.
The participation numbers highlight the value that local youth place on having access to positive, structured activities that offer both recreational and personal growth.
These sessions have successfully provided a safe space for young people to engage in physical activity, build friendships, and develop valuable life skills—all while steering them away from potential antisocial behaviour.
The positive feedback from both coaches and participants underscores the impact these sessions have had, from building fitness and football skills to fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Looking forward, it’s evident that continuing and expanding these programs would further benefit the Immingham community. Increased access to sports and educational workshops not only supports individual growth but also contributes to a healthier, safer, and more connected community as a whole.
We are excited by the progress made thus far and are committed to exploring ways to sustain and grow this initiative to meet the needs of even more young people in the future.
UTM
