More than 30 local children from inner city schools across Leeds turned out to enjoy an afternoon of Footgolf at the home of modern golf in Wike Ridge – Leeds Golf Centre, on Wednesday 23 October.  Six teams from Harehills Primary School, Little London Primary School and Rosebank Primary School competed in this tournament, hosted by The Parklane Foundation, but it was the team from Harehills Primary School who were victorious.

Footgolf is a brilliant concept which perfectly blends golf with football.  Played over six purposely designed holes, which range from 39 to 90 yards, players must aim and kick the ball into the holes in as few shots as possible – a la the traditional game of golf.

Footgolf is fully inclusive for anyone, any age and any ability but it’s not always as easy as it looks!

This event was organised by The Parklane Foundation, a charitable organisation, which helps and supports a range of good causes across the UK and globally.  The footgolf tournament was designed to give disadvantaged children from inner city locations the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some competitive sport. It also provided a chance to attend Leeds Golf Centre, an experience many might not have in everyday life.

Alan Scorfield, CEO Leeds United Foundation was in attendance and provided some match tickets for the winning team.  The event was also attended by the Leeds Lord Mayor who enjoyed participating and spectating in the action and was thoroughly impressed by the skills on show

Ruby Malik, from The Parklane Foundation said of the event: “This was a truly great day, and everyone enjoyed it; from the children, the teachers and the team at Leeds Golf Centre.  It was great fun watching the children test out their footgolf skills and I think we have found some stars of the future!”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor said: “I was delighted to attend the Footgolf tournament hosted by The Parklane Foundation.  The event was a huge success and we received extremely positive feedback from the schools which took part.  Events such as this really demonstrate how sports and new experiences can have a positive effect on children and I do hope that this event will now take place on an annual basis.”

Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung added: “It was an absolute delight to see the Parklane Foundation organise this amazing event at Leeds Golf Centre.  These children are from very diverse communities, but they were all participating and enjoying this sport for the first time and it was evident that they loved every minute of it!  As a council, we are committed to ensuring children live an active lifestyle and this was a great initiative in support of this.  The footgolf event perfectly showcased the inclusivity and accessibility of Leeds Golf Centre – showing you’re never too young or too inexperienced to try something new.”

Alec Waddington, Year 1 Teacher and PE Subject Leader at Harehills Primary School said: “The Parklane Foundation is a true credit to the local community, and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunity and their approach towards our children. To let them go on the driving range was beyond top class!”

Ruby continues: “This event is a great example of what we do here at The Parklane Foundation.  We want to enhance, enrich and encourage children and young people to experience a wide range of opportunities.  We appreciate that not all children and their families have access to sporting opportunities, but we believe that every child should have the chance to enjoy them.  This event was part of our ongoing commitment to offering new and unique experiences to children and young people across Yorkshire and further afield.”

The Parklane Foundation will also be presenting a £2000 cheque donation to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal at the Lord Mayor’s dinner on 8^th November.

The Parklane Foundation works with partners such as Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, Leeds United Foundation, Leeds Education, Give a Gift and is a Patron of The Prince’s Trust.

For more information please contact Hanif at The Parklane Foundation at hanif@theparklanegroup.com