Footballer to help kids get their kicks outdoor

The captain of a Premier League team has launched a street football programme to encourage more children to enjoy outdoor play.

Hull City defender Lewie Coyle said his career began by kicking a ball in an alleyway near the East Hull home where he grew up and he has called for more children to follow in his footsteps.

The 31-year-old said: "I believe being allowed to lark (play) about outside gave me a head start in pursuing what my career has turned out to be as a professional footballer."

Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, is backing Coyle's call: "Playing outside develops confidence, creativity, resilience and independence. It's good for physical and mental health."

Coyle led his hometown club to victory in the Championship play-off final in May, securing the Tigers' promotion to the Premier League.

Through the Lewie Coyle Football Academy, the defender is launching LCFA Street Football and has vowed to visit estates across the city and hold free pop-up events to encourage outdoor play among children.

Coyle said his Hull City team-mates had donated as part of the campaign to ensure every child taking part received a free football.

He said: "I just want to encourage kids to move again. We need kids to be kids and play on the street, but of course, in a safe environment.

"I had so many amazing memories growing up on the streets of Bilton. It taught me confidence and social skills, and it was character-building.

"We're in an era now where kids socialise through technology, but I think as adults we need to make sure there's more of a push for our children to play out in the same way we did.

"We're going to chuck some jumpers down and use them as goalposts, and we're really going to throw it back. As it says on the tin, we're just going to have a kickabout on the streets."

Coyle's message has been backed by de Souza, who said it echoed new research from her office that showed "boys and girls want to play outside".

She said: "I've spoken to children across the nation through my Big Future survey and, from Land's End to Hadrian's Wall, I hear the same message: boys and girls want to play.

"They want to be outside, be active and be with friends in places where they feel safe and welcome.

"But, there are so many barriers right now, from the cost of living to a lack of places to go, especially for teenagers and disabled children.

"We all need to champion play and remember that childhood can't be, and shouldn't be, completely risk-free."

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