Sharon takes to the pitch

3.47.00pm GMT Tue 2nd Dec 2008

Young footballers at Reading FC showed off their talents to Sharon during a tour of the Club's Community Trust programme.

Sharon was joined by Euro-MP candidate Catherine Bearder and Maidenhead Lib Dem spokesman Tony Hill, for a display of the Club's education and community work. They were welcomed by boys and girls participating in the Sportiv8 project and later had a kick-around with members of the Prince's Trust 'Get into football' programme.

Both projects are aimed at young people to encourage education through football. The work is wide-ranging, combining practical skills with lessons on leadership, healthy lifestyles and basic physiotherapy. The aim is to provide participants with skills for sustainable employment.

Commenting, Sharon said:

"Today highlighted the emphasis Reading FC place on serving the community. I was delighted by the quality and wide range of work that is going on at the Club.

"The projects are encouraging education and healthy eating as well as fighting knife and gun crime; it shows just how much can be achieved through football.

"It is now important that the general public know what a good job is being done by these clubs in their communities."

Tony Hill remarked:

"As an ex-headmaster I know there are many young people who are not overly enthusiastic about education. This is definitely not the case here!"