‘Care-experienced young people deserve every opportunity to celebrate who they are in a safe and nurturing environment’

From left - Joe Afrifa, Dan Sibley (personal advisor), Councillor Suzy Horton, Sarah Daly (director for children, families and education at PCC), Jason Lang (personal advisor) and Mike Wiggins (personal advisor)

Care-experienced young people kicked off a week of celebrations with a football match organised by a team of social care practitioners.

Supporting Your Futures Week is a Portsmouth City Council initiative that recognises the achievements of care-experienced young people, encouraging them to learn new skills and form friendships.

The football match, which took place at Goals, is part of a series of activities across this week that ends with music and entertainment at the top of Spinnaker Tower.

Cllr Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at PCC, said: "It was a pleasure to meet everyone before kick off and to speak with team members who organised the activity.

"They are passionate about giving their young people the very best opportunities in life, ensuring they have fun and make friends.

"Our young people deserve the very best support as they move towards independence. This week helps them form friendships early in life and learn new skills. Football is a great way to work together and build connections."

The football match was organised by a team of personal advisors that included Dan Sibley, who works in the supporting your futures team.

"I'm excited to be able to share a passion of mine with young people," said Dan. “Sport brings people together and helps promote health and wellbeing.

"Care-experienced young people deserve every opportunity to celebrate who they are in a safe and nurturing environment.

"While we give support throughout the year, weeks like this enables us to come together and do something special."

Joe Afrifa, who lives in Portsmouth, was among those who took part in the match.

"When my personal advisor told me about the match, I was interested in coming along,” he remarked. “I'm not sure I will become a professional footballer but it's a hobby I really love. It was a good opportunity to meet new people that I haven't played with before."

Supporting Your Futures Week runs from October 23-30 for young people under the care of PCC's children services. For more information, visit www.strongerfutures.co.uk/yourfuture