Social & Inclusion

It is our passion to work alongside the local community to assist  with projects and programmes that are close to our hearts.

Our Social & Inclusion sessions include:

Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential.

The programme creates opportunities for young people who are at risk of anti-social behaviour, youth violence and/or from high-need areas to regularly engage in football, sport, mentoring and personal development opportunities.

Through Premier League Kicks, Harrogate Town AFC CIO will: 

  • Provide regular, inclusive and free opportunities for young people aged 8-18 years old to play, coach and officiate in football and other sports
  • Improve the physical and mental wellbeing of young people to enhance self-esteem, confidence, social skills and foster a sense of belonging
  • Create a culture of volunteering, social action and role models to instil a sense of community and social responsibility and help young people understand the value of their contributions
  • Work with young people, police and other local stakeholders to promote pro-social attitudes and behaviours to create safer and more inclusive communities where young people can thrive
  • Provide opportunities for young people to transition to positive pathways including education, training and employment through workshops and mentorship
Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation work together with local Youth Club Providers, to provide young people access to a wide range of activities across Harrogate and District.
 
Together we focus on listening to young people and working with them to make sure they get the best out of all the activities or allowing young people to have a voice and educating others to understand them and their experiences.
Comets is a recreational, pan-disability football programme for disabled boys and girls aged between 5 and 11. Pan-disability is the largest format of disability football, which sees players with a broad range of impairments and health conditions play together. 

Comets offers a new, flexible and inclusive way of playing, one that’s all about playfulness, friendships and having fun. More than anything, Comets is football that breaks the old rules and replaces them with a brand new one: JUST BE YOU. 

Our Just Play Football (16+) programme is casual, recreational football sessions aimed at adults and young people (16+) with additional needs who want to play without the commitment of a formal league or team.

Just Play offers a relaxed environment for playing football, getting fitter and socialising with like-minded people.

Pitch Positive is a weekly programme for men aged 18+ that combines the power of football with the importance of social connection. Run by our foundation coaches, each session includes an indoor hour of conversation, games and an opportunity to chat with other like-minded men followed by a relaxed, social football game. It’s a friendly, pressure-free space to boost both your physical and mental wellbeing—whether you’re there to play, chat, or simply be around others.

MAN v FAT Football is for men with a BMI of 27.50 or over. Play football every week, with qualified referees. Feel like you’re not fit enough? Don’t worry, MAN v FAT Football is for everyone, even if you haven’t kicked a ball for years.
 
You’ll be placed in a team with guys who want to lose weight too, they will know exactly what you’re going through, and you’ll be supported every step of the way by your team and coach.
 
Get rewarded for your positive changes. Your weight loss progress affects your team’s performance on the pitch, with rewards for hitting weight loss milestones too.

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Talk Of The Town is a welcoming community programme designed to combat social isolation for adults aged 50+ in the Harrogate area. Launched in summer 2025 in Bilton, the group meets weekly for relaxed, friendly sessions that focus on connection, conversation, and fun—with no football knowledge required!

Led by Harrogate Town AFC Community staff, each free session includes tea, coffee, biscuits, and a chance to enjoy classic games like dominoes, cards, Connect Four, and other favourites. It’s a great way to meet new people, share stories, and build a sense of community in a warm, supportive environment.

As the group continues to grow each week, so does the laughter, companionship, and positive impact.

Our walking football sessions are fun, relaxed and social, with no pressure on the result.
Walking football is the perfect fit for men over the age of 50 who want to play football – for longer, for the first time, to get fit and active, to stay safe, to get out of the house, to make new friends. 
 
With no running, jogging or heading and with reduced physical contact, Walking Football is a fun and safe way to enjoy football. It is also a great way to stay fit and healthy. It can improve heart health. It boosts blood circulation. It improves mobility, balance and coordination. It reduces weight and risk of type 2 diabetes.
 
Our women’s walking football sessions are fun, relaxed and social, with no pressure on the result.
Women’s Walking football is the perfect fit for women over the age of 35 who want to play football – for longer, for the first time, to get fit and active, to stay safe, to get out of the house, to make new friends. 
 
With no running, jogging or heading and with reduced physical contact, Walking Football is a fun and safe way to enjoy football. It is also a great way to stay fit and healthy. It can improve heart health. It boosts blood circulation. It improves mobility, balance and coordination. It reduces weight and risk of type 2 diabetes.
​If you or your child would like to get involved in any of these sessions or you’re part of a local group/charity who think we could work together please email: charliedoherty@harrogatetownafc.com