The project, developed by Darlington Drug and Alcohol Action Team in conjunction with Darlington Football Club and treatment providers, will see football trainers from the club's community team providing coaching sessions to substance misusers and aims to offer constructive and healthy leisure opportunities to divert them from drugs and alcohol.
During the visit Mr Coaker met Darlington Football Club community staff and service-users taking part in their first coaching session. Mr Coaker said "tough enforcement will always be an important part of any government strategy against alcohol and drug use, but diversionary schemes such as the Darlington Sports Initiative also play a vital role in steering people away from a life of alcohol, drugs and crime.
"I am pleased to see the excellent partnership working between Darlington Football Club and local alcohol and drugs agencies. The project demonstrates that it is only when the community and agencies come together that a difference is made."
Kevin Stonehouse, Manager of Darlington Football Club's Community Team, said "the community team normally works with children but we want to include the whole of the community in our activities and this is great opportunity for us to do that. We hope that the service users will be able to build up their confidence and have a sense of achievement and pride as well as helping them into a healthy lifestyle.
"Football is a great way of doing this, because it breaks down so many barriers."
