Ledley kicks off season of play in Haringey

Ledley King kicked off a season of play across Haringey today, having a kickabout with local school children and even trying his hand at hula-hooping.

The Club legend joined pupils from Lea Valley Primary School at the Somerford Grove estate in Northumberland Park.

With the help of the children, Ledley took down a No Ball Games sign - the 150th to be removed since the campaign to get youngsters playing outdoors more was launched a year ago.

Signs have been removed following joint work between the council, Homes for Haringey and residents’ associations.

On the first anniversary of the No Ball Games signs campaign, Ledley said: “I remember seeing lots of these signs when I was growing up, when all I wanted to do was play football, so it’s great that Haringey Council have been removing them over the past year.”

“By taking them down, young people will have more space to play sport and stay fit and healthy.”

Below: Ledley with the pupils from Lea Valley Primary School

It comes as Haringey Council announces their Weekend of Play, to be held on April 28, 29 and 30, where children will be able to attend free play sessions at parks across the borough.

It will launch at schools on Friday April 28, before play events are held on Saturday and Sunday, including circus skills sessions.

There will also be the opportunity for locals to hold a Play Street of their own, where their road is closed to traffic so youngsters can enjoy being outdoors.

Announcing the Weekend of Play, Cllr Elin Weston, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “There are some brilliant activities planned for the Weekend of Play and we hope to get children across Haringey having fun together and enjoying what the borough has to offer. When children play together it boosts their confidence and social and emotional development. Play is a vital part of growing up and helps children to flourish. Most importantly, it’s a great, healthy, way of our little ones having fun.”

No Ball Games and the Weekend of Play are supported by Haringey’s Obesity Alliance, aiming to tackle childhood obesity in a fun and practical way by promoting healthier living. Research shows children are three to five times more active outdoors than indoors.

Cllr Jason Arthur, Cabinet Member for Finance and Health, said: “Great progress has been made with No Ball Games signs so far, enabling children to get out and enjoy the free space Haringey has to offer. Keeping active is vital to beat childhood obesity, which is a real concern across the country.

“By providing more space for youngsters to play, we are helping to keep the future generation healthier and showing them Haringey is their community for them to enjoy. We are proud of the work that has been done so far, and now we are ready to kick off the second half of the No Ball Games campaign.”

For information on No Ball Games, Weekend of Play and setting up a Play Street, visit http://www.haringey.gov.uk