Fostered young people’s and carers’ match day with York City FC

Fostered young people and carers in York have been invited to a match, a behind-the-scenes tour and training at York City Football Club’s home ground.

YCFC fostering

L-R Phil Smith YCF inclusion officer, foster carers Kevin Lumley and Julie Arthur, Joe Scargill, YCF coach.

The carers and young people in care watched the Minstermen beat Braintree United at Bootham Crescent, before being invited for an after-hours visit to the grounds and a kickabout with York City Foundation coaches last week.

Foster carer Julie Arthur has looked after 78 children and young people over 21 years in York. She watched the match against Braintree United which the Minstermen won 3-0. “I took six lads along to the match and we really enjoyed it before eight of them went along for the tour and the training on 20 April. They did a warm up, passing skills and had a game. That’s a privilege not many get.

“The visits mean they meet others in care so they know they’re not the only ones, and I get to catch up with other carers.

“This fun is in addition to the more serious training and support we get to help the young people we care for.”

Foster carer Kevin Lumley said: “Treats like this give the carers and young people a real boost – we really looked forward to it and enjoyed the experience. Thank you, York City.”
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Natural environment under pressure from fly-tippers in parts of York

Several nature areas are suffering problems with dumping and litter.

The problem is likely to get worse as the summer approaches. Not only is there no local recycling centre on the west of the City, but the regular skip visits, funded by the Council on many estates, ceased suddenly on 1st April.

These are some of the areas that we have reported recently

Foxwood park dumping

Acomb Wood Meadow dumping

Acomb Wood Meadow tree cover being eroded

Westfield Fen woodland covered in litter

Remains of a bonfire adjacent to Westfield bog

Some residents are now saying that the boundaries of nature areas should be secured – with access allowed only under supervision – at least until the areas have had a chance to regenerated.

Areas like the Foxwood Park are, however, widely used for other leisure activities and here enforcement of anti dumping laws appears to be the only way forward. The Council may install CCTV cameras to catch dumpers.  

Fly tipping fines can now be as much as £400.

The Foxwood Residents Association is starting discussions with Accent Housing which is the landlord of some of the proprieties which border the threatened areas. They will be asking for their help in funding improvements along the boundaries together with regular clean ups.

In addition it will be suggested that  skips visit the estate regularly to allow tenants to dispose of unwanted items.

Wildlife is,however, thriving on the Lowfields playing fields the boundary of which is normally secured.

Ironically this is an area that the Council hopes to develop.