“A safe league that is affordable for the whole town” is being promised as the world’s leading not for profit provider of community sport announces plans to run a 6 a side league in Barnstaple.

Tarka Tennis Centre’s state of the art 3G Pitch is the venue as Leisure Leagues – who have been using sport to improve the lives of people across the world for 30 years – are kicking off at the start of November, however as Area Manager Ben Schumann explained, the ethos was focussed on inclusion: “We want to make 6 a side football available to everyone in Barnstaple,” said Ben, “not just the elite few that can afford it.”

When the Barnstaple League kicks off on 8^th November, it does so with the lowest prices in the county, thanks to a sponsorship deal, with Ben adding: “We are grateful to a backer who was so keen on what we were trying to achieve they have enabled us to make sure that the league is truly accessible.”

The effects of small sided football are well known, and leading government officials, such as Julian Knight – the Chairman of the DCMS Select Committee – have backed Leisure Leagues’ campaign to improve the physical and mental health of the country. Another reason why the firm, who donate their profits to charities and good causes, are so pleased to have secured the sponsorship to keep the leagues affordable, “it helps us bring a wonderful sport to those who may get no other exercise,” said Ben.

The price of £20 makes for a considerable saving on the leagues that also take place in Barnstaple, but as Ben pointed out “We are aware, that those leagues are not of the best quality, and in these Covid times, we want to reassure all local people as to our focus on safety, too.”

Six a side football – as long as it is Covid safe – is exempt from the so-called “Rule of Six” that bans mingling of groups, and even after Boris Johnson’s announcements banning some sport, the league in Barnstaple will be unaffected.

Ben added: “Everything is in place, our Covid measures are the strongest in six a side football.

“We just can’t wait to get started.”

The league at Tarka will be subject to a range of regulations including match fees needing to be paid by card, no shaking hands and players not being allowed within a metre of the match official.

As would possibly be expected given such a community focus, all abilities – and mixed teams – are catered for, but the winners will be entered into a prize draw that Leisure Leagues do each month, with teams competing for prizes ranging from iPad’s and Wetherspoons vouchers to the top prize of an all-expenses paid trip to see a top European game, with tickets, flights, hotel included worth in excess of £12,000.

For more information and to join the leagues in Barnstaple taking advantage of the £20 games and the free entry offer, click here: