JAMES Morris MP met up with Cradley Heath-based community interest company to learn about what they offer and their future plans.

He met staff at Sporting Your Futures which runs training camps for children at locations including Cradley Heath Community Centre, Brittania Park in Blackheath, Goals Soccer Centre and Leasowes High School in Halesowen.

James talked with them about their plans to expand what’s on offer and the impact it could make for local children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

James said: “Sporting Your Futures have been going from strength to strength over the last few years, and even though they are offering training camps all over the region I am pleased that they are still committed to improving their offer for Halesowen, Cradley Heath and Rowley Regis.

“It was great to hear about the activities they run, and about the projects they have in the pipeline for improving mental health, a strong passion of mine. They are making a difference to the lives of children and I commend all the team on their hard work.”

Rajab Noor, Director of Sporting Your Futures, said: “We are engaging with more young people aged five to-25 every year.

"For the last five years our programme in Cradley Heath has been dedicated to collaborating with various partners in the area to provide outreach programs and activities aimed at getting young people off the streets, providing mentoring services, educational workshops, schools support, alternative provision, enriching activities and ensuring it is all free of charge.

"We are actively searching for our own venue which will allow us to provide office space and a drop-in service to upskill the community further which will allow us to ultimately make a bigger and wider impact."

"It was great to have a visit from our local MP James Morris, it showcased his support for our cause but also highlighted the importance of investing in the youth of our community."