'Incredible’ community impact of YOYO Sport Programme celebrated with festival at Keepmoat Stadium

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner joins Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton at Keepmoat Stadium to celebrate ‘incredible’ community impact of YOYO Sport Programme. 

More than 75 youngsters attended the YOYO Sport Festival at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, to celebrate the impact of the YOYO Sport Programme on the local community.  

The YOYO Sport initiative, funded by the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, sees the community trusts of the five South Yorkshire Football Clubs work together to deliver football and sports sessions in the local community.  

The sessions are free of charge and aim to offer young people a healthy activity to participate in while engaging with trusted adults. 

Speaking at the festival, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, said: “Today is a fantastic day, to bring all these young people here together from across South Yorkshire. 

“I want to thank all of the club foundations for making this possible, without them we couldn’t do this. What they’re contributing towards our communities is just fantastic - sport brings people together. 

“We can help to keep young people away from the things that might harm them, such as crime and anti-social behaviour, so from my perspective as police and crime commissioner, this kind of activity is wonderful.” 

There were at least 10 representatives for each club; Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Barnsley and Rotherham, who all enjoyed a football tournament, session with professional freestyler Ash Randall, mural graffiti art class as well as a knife crime awareness workshop.  

Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton said: “I’m so proud that we’ve got representatives from all around South Yorkshire football clubs here in Doncaster. What a great atmosphere it is, absolutely fantastic.  

“It’s great to see young people out there keeping fit, playing football, and the events that are going to take place as well later.  

“A big thank you to the SYVRU and the Premier League for funding today and making this happen, it’s really good news for us in Doncaster to have it here.” 

If you want to find out more about YOYO Sport, here.