A FOOTBALL club’s community initiative has received a welcome boost, allowing it to offer tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

Workington AFC has successfully applied to the Pitching In Community Foundation, the side has been given £4,000 in return to support The Friday Night Project.

Workington AFC Foundation, a new charitable organisation set up by the club, will oversee the project which will combat anti-social behaviour in the town through sport.

Reds in the Community will run football based activities every Friday night for 12 months at Moorclose Community Centre. They will hope to increase participation in sport with the activities with the involvement of South Workington Youth Partnership.

Chairman David Bowden told the club website: “Establishing a Foundation to further develop our links with the community was one of the first priorities we set.”

Community directors Richard Lewthwaite and Simon Collins were appointed to carry out the community work of Workington AFC Foundation in 2020. Bowden said: “Richard has done marvellous work in securing this award and we expect that once restrictions are lifted, our community directors will be building the club’s brand further as the club becomes more inclusive.”

Around 40 youngsters from ages 10 to 16 will take part, coached by Brain Dawson of the side’s Reds in the Community developmental arm.

The foundation will co-ordinate the scheme in the hope that it will conclude with the participants being guests at a Workington Reds game, when spectators are allowed back into Borough Park. It is an ambition the foundation has held since it’s inception.

“It really is a tremendous opportunity for all clubs playing at our level to go out and set a marker in their local community. We are thrilled to be awarded this money and we know it will make a real difference.”