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Already more than 40 youngsters have been turning up to the free youth club at Arleston Community Centre, in Wellington, since it launched last month.

It’s run weekly on Monday evenings by 4 All Foundation, a charitable organisation, and provides sports, creative activities, board games, gaming and snacks for kids aged nine to 16. The Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities programme has allocated £5,000 of funding to get the club off the ground.

Councillor Lee Carter, (Lab) Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council went along to chat to the children and join in some of the activities. He said:

“Well, the kids absolutely smashed it at tennis and beat me hands down. It was all good fun, though, and great to see everyone enjoying themselves.

“The club is one of many youth initiatives we are supporting through our Safer and Stronger Communities programme, working with partners like 4 All Foundation.

“We want to help get kids off the streets and socialising in a safe environment. It’s what young people want, too. The proof is in the pudding as we are seeing demand for the youth club beyond what we imagined. The same can be said for our Safer and Stronger Urban Games initiative which will return in February half-term with more free sporting activities for young people across the borough.”

Councillor Angela McClements, (Lab) Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & the Arts and ward councillor for Arleston and College added:

“It was great to go along to one of the sessions and see boys and girls from a wide age range coming together and participating in lots of different activities.

“This can really help with their confidence and building a positive self-image while learning new skills too.”

Paige is one of the young people that attends, and she said:

“It’s actually pretty amazing. I really enjoy being able to talk to my friends. The best thing is the age range, it’s perfect. No one feels out of place. There’s always someone you can talk to.”

George Hounsell from 4 All Foundation said:

“We are thrilled to work with Telford & Wrekin Council and together we’re making a difference by providing essential support to children and young people across the borough. We want to make a difference to the lives of young people and encourage the children to open up to our youth leaders and feel they can talk to them if they want to.”

Another youth club is set to open in Ketley in the New Year and more details will follow.

Residents who have suggestions for youth projects, or any ideas that would help their community feel safer can email the team saferstronger@telford.gov.uk