Calderdale College, in partnership with Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police, has launched the Midnight League Project, an exciting initiative that aims to get local young people active and tackle anti-social behaviour.

In response to crime in the area being at its highest in the past year*, the pilot welcomes young people aged 8 – 17 in the Park and Warley wards in Halifax to take part in a range of activities and events during term-time. If it is successful, the project will be rolled out across the whole of Calderdale.

Running in partnership with Halifax-based Unique Community Hub, which supports children and young people by giving them access to life-changing sport, culture, art and education, the Midnight League Project has seen over 290 young people take part since it launched in May.

Children and teenagers have been able to get involved in sporting and fitness classes such as football and boxing across the College’s Inspire Centre and at the Hub’s base on Ravens Street in Halifax

Calderdale College is also working with West Yorkshire Police to deliver educational talks and activities on knife crime within the sessions. When on duty, officers will refer young people to the Midnight League to encourage young people off the streets.

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “As a leading education provider in the region, we are always looking at how we can inspire young people beyond the academic courses we offer, and improve the lives of those within our local area.

“We’re proud to be working alongside Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Police to deliver this extremely important initiative, that will not only support young people to be more active, but it will also create safe spaces where they can connect and thrive, contributing to a healthier, more vibrant community.”

Hamza, a Year 8 student from Halifax Academy that attends the sessions, added: “I love attending the Midnight League as it gives me a chance to play football with my friends, have fun and meet new people from other schools. I hope the programme can continue as my younger brother would like to attend in the future.”

The project is being funded by Active Calderdale, who aim to work with communities to make physical activity a part of everyday life in the district. The funding for the Midnight League Project was awarded following a successful pilot in 2022, which saw four Friday sessions called Twilight League delivered.

Young people aged 8 to 12 are invited to take part in football that take place at Calderdale College’s Inspire Centre on Mondays between 6 to 7pm. On Fridays, those aged 15 to 17 are able to attend activities such as boxing and fitness classes at the Unique Community Hub base.

You can sign up via this link here, or you are welcome to turn up on a Monday evening to sign up.

*Statistics from Police.UK for criminal activity in Park Ward, Halifax (HX1) between May 2023 and April 2024.