Harrogate Town’s manager Simon Weaver has agreed to help train a team comprised of adults who are receiving treatment and rehabilitation for addiction as they prepare to enter a tournament in Rochdale.
In a partnership that has been formed between Harrogate Town AFC and the CRI Harrogate, it will see the team play under the banner of Harrogate Town AFC as they aim to enjoy playing in a national competition.
CRI works with individuals, families and communities across England and Wales that are affected by drugs, alcohol, crime, homelessness, domestic abuse, and antisocial behaviour.
Their projects are delivered in communities and prisons with the aim of encouraging and empower people to regain control of their lives and motivate them to tackle their problems.
Speaking about the venture, Simon commented:
It’s fantastic, the community is an area that has been largely untapped until now and we are striving forward and its partnerships like this that are helping both sides.
Combining with the CRI and these guys has been great. We are entering a national tournament and have been training hard. The respect that these guys give is amazing because they realise that you are taking time out to try and help develop them. It gives me a real buzz to see them progressing the way that they have. There is now a real bond between us all and I am really looking forward to spending the day with them on Friday at the competition.
Harrogate Town AFC have put out a request for donations of any old football equipment (i.e. Rubber soled boots and shin pads) for the team to take to Rochdale. If you any items that you can give, then they can be dropped off at Harrogate Town AFC. All donations will be very gratefully received.
I played in the tournemont in rochdale on friday and I would like to just say a big thankyou to the gaffa (simon weaver)and everybody from harrogate town and CRI for there excellent support over the last few weeks and the continueing support with more training lined up, We got to the semi-final and only just got beat 4-3 aswell and with the chances we had we could have won, It was a proud day for all of us that played, we played like a team that was full of confidence and alot of that was down to the gaffa, I know i can speak for the rest of the team to say it meant alot to everyone of us, Thank-you Harrogate town / CRI .
Tom hunter.