A RUGBY coach from Rochford wants to set up a youth club for the district’s teenagers because there is little for them to do.

Darren Parsons, 48, who has coached at Rochford Hundred Rugby Club for ten years, is frustrated at the lack of activities for 11 to 17-year-olds.

After approaching Essex County Council, they offered him a building in the grounds of the FitzWimarc School, in Hockley Road, Rayleigh.

He hopes to open Rayleigh Youth Club at the end of March, but needs financial backing to make it a success.

Mr Parsons, who runs an executive vehicle hire business, said: “I’ve been coaching my rugby team since they were five and I see a lot of them hanging around with nowhere to go.

“I thought there ought to be something for them to do, so I spoke to the county council and they gave us the building.

“We are looking for companies to sponsor us. We’re getting there, but, hopefully, once it’s open, more people will know about it and see what we do.

“If we could get £5,000 it would be fantastic. We’re looking to put in a new kitchen, so that would enable us to do that.”

The club would open initially between 6pm and 9.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mr Parsons and his group of volunteers hoping to attract between 150 and 200 youngsters.

They would pay a £20 annual membership, with a £2 charge each time they attend, to cover running costs.

Mr Parsons added: “The building has not been used for seven years, so it needs a bit of TLC, but it’s perfect for what we’re after. It’s got a big sports hall and a kitchen, so we can do lots of activities, football, street art, cheerleading, basketball, martial arts, pool table tennis, film nights and cooking.

“Many of the activities will be effectively donated by local groups and clubs, with people coming along to run sessions for us.”

To find out more about Mr Parsons’ project, and donate to his cause, visit www.gofundme.

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