Keighley Cougars are today launching their latest community initiative, ‘Sporting Chance’.

The ‘Sporting Chance’ programme is being run in conjunction with Incommunities, the biggest provider of social housing in Bradford District and the funding for the project is being provided by their Foundation Board.

‘Sporting Chance’ is a tailor-made programme designed to address some of the serious social issues facing young people in Keighley and District.

The Cougars’ partners in the ‘Sporting Chance’ programme delivery will include Incommunities, Park Lane Keighley College; West Yorkshire Police Bradford North and Airedale Division; West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s Neighbourhood Services Department.

Helen Carter, the Keighley Cougars’ General Manager, said: “When we staged the Street Academies last Spring it became obvious that there were many other different problems within the district that we could address if the funding became available.

“Our partners, the Incommunities’ Foundation, were generous enough to fill that financial gap and this will enable us to provide the staffing and programme which will help address some of those significant problems.

“We’ve employed one of our players, Jon Presley, who is eminently qualified to undertake this kind of work, to lead the project and we believe that as the town’s professional sports club the young people will see us as credible brokers for activity programmes.

“We’re looking forward to working with all our partners in this initiative and I really believe that we can make a difference to the quality of life for the young people in our area.”

Zabair Rasul, Director of Incommunities – aire-wharfe office said: “We are delighted to be teaming up again with the Keighley Cougars on this exciting community venture.

“Working more closely with young people to meet their needs is a key goal for everyone at Incommunities - aire-wharfe. This venture follows on from the successful Street Skills roadshow held earlier this summer across local estates with the support of the Cougars.

“This new venture will hopefully give more young people a sporting chance and enrich their lives.”

This is all good stuff with the Cougars helping the community of Keighley with all these tie ins and involvement.

10/10, 3 gold Stars etc., etc.,

Now all we need is the larger community of Keighley to get involved with the Cougars.