A North East football and multi sports project moved up a league after a visit from a local MP this week.

Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, teamed up with Hat Trick’s ‘Roots 2 Sport’ programme, during a visit to one of their sessions being held at Newbiggin Hall’s Simonside Community Centre.

The ‘Roots 2 Sport’ programme offers a range of fun activities, including sports and arts and crafts, to hundreds of children and young people throughout the summer.

Emma Brown, Hat-Trick’s Manager, said:

‘Our sport camps have been developed in partnership with Leanne Risk of Blakelaw Ward Community Partnership, to raise awareness of the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating throughout the six weeks’ summer holidays.

‘It’s fantastic to have the recognition of an MP and we’re looking forward to showing Catherine the activities on offer and the benefits this programme brings to the local community.

‘We’ve had a great response to ‘Roots 2 Sport’ with the number of children and young people attending the sessions far exceeding our expectations.  We aim to instil good habits now so that they develop a lifelong love of healthy living’.

Whilst on her visit, Catherine got the chance to see sports and crafts sessions in action, as well as meeting some of the children and young people taking part.

Catherine said:

‘We all know that the summer holidays can be a struggle for many families, and finding fun and affordable activities for the kids for six weeks can be a real challenge.

‘Roots 2 Sport offers just that, whilst also helping children and young people to stay healthy and active over the holidays.’

‘Roots 2 Sport’ has been made possible through funding from the Big Lottery with sessions currently taking place in Blakelaw and Newbiggin Hall.  Hat-Trick has plans in place to expand across the city, furthering their aims of changing children’s lives through the power of football and sport.