SWINDON Town Football Club has teamed up with Wiltshire Council for a series of Kick It Out events during the October half-term with a chance for youngsters to play in a half-time final at the County Ground next month.

Kick it Out is football’s equality and inclusion campaign and uses the sport as a tool to tackle all forms of discrimmination and to work for positive change. It also challenges issues regarding sexuality.

John Thomson, cabinet member for leisure said: “This is a great opportunity for young people from Wiltshire to show their support for a national campaign while taking part in the nation’s favourite sport.

“I know participants will enjoy the skills and challenges and the competition element is sure to be hard fought given the prize of playing at a professional football ground in front of thousands of fans.”

Young people aged between 10 and 19 are encouraged to take part in a number of challenges to become Wiltshire’s Kick It Out Street Skillz Champion 2018.

The competition will test them with a series of tests including the crossbar, keep up, speed gun and target ring challenges.

Sessions, open to children from all over Wiltshire will take place at Wellington Academy on October 25 and Trowbridge Park the following day, from noon-4pm. The events will also incorporate the Ability Sports Programme for young people aged nine-18 with a disability.

Both events will also include tournaments for 14-16 year olds. The winners will compete in a grand final at half time at Swindon Town’s match against Carlisle United in November.

Individuals, groups of friends, youth groups and other community organisations are all encouraged to join in. To register contact Karlene Jammeh on 01722 434437 or email sportsdevelopment@wiltshire.gov.uk