An owner of a football club in The Meadows is fearful about its future because of financial struggles. Rodrick Maveso runs grassroots football club The Rossoneri FC, who play matches on pitches at the Victoria Embankment.
He founded the club in September 2015 and launched it in January 2016, and now more than 100 kids play across its seven teams, with kids playing from as young as five-years-old. The club has a total of seven teams that play competitive matches, with age ranges starting from under-11s, up to a new men's team that is hoped to start for the new season.
Rodrick is worried though because he says the cost of living crisis is affecting some parents being able to pay for their kids to be a subscribing member of the club, which is around £30 for registration per child and £5 per week each, but doesn't want to turn the kids away because of how much it means to them. One of those parents affected is Habby Kizito, who has five boys, aged 19, 14, two 13-year-old twins and a nine-year-old.
READ MORE: Teachers remember 'gifted footballer' Sekou Doucoure whose death triggered Birmingham murder inquiry
The 45-year-old mother of five said: "My boys have been at the club since the beginning in 2016, and I was managing OK there as a single parent. We lived in The Meadows and then moved to Old Basford, but I started struggling before the pandemic, and we're in temporary accommodation now in Sneinton after I lost my house.
"Rossoneri is such a good team, I can't even explain how much my boys all look forward to playing. My 14-year-old and two twins have been there right from the start, and my nine-year-old is joining too.
"Rodrick understands our situation though and still lets them play, and for my boys it's like their second home. It's so inclusive."
Because of how tight money is all round, Rossoneri owner Rodrick worries there may not be a club going forward. He says he gives up a lot to run it.
Rodrick said: "I'm worried there could be no club in The Meadows, I'm stressing myself and sacrificing my kids and family at times to make sure these kids enjoy playing, but it's not fair on me to do that. I want to bring the club and local community together to give inner-city kids a positive role model, and I want to be that.
"I feel bad having to send some kids home because of money as they just want to come and have fun, and it builds confidence. The financial situation is bad, very bad, even just to start the season as we've got to provide new equipment, kits, things like that.
"We don't always have the money to pay to hire pitches and referees if we're playing at home too. If we play away, travel is an issue, because some parents can't take their kids to the games and we have to sort that out.
"Not every parent pays for their kid to play, and it's because they're struggling themselves, it's hard."
Rodrick says the club has helped to keep kids out of trouble. He's worried more could go down the wrong path if the club is forced to close.
He said: "Young teenagers can get into trouble, and I believe playing football can help keep them away from that. I've seen it before where a youngster has left the club and got into things they shouldn't have done."
Mr Maveso's club is not the only option for children to take part in. Nottingham City Council has secured £1.8m from the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. This funding will be used to provide clubs for the 17,800 city pupils who are eligible for free school meals (FSM).
At the holiday clubs, FSM pupils will receive a free lunch, alongside a programme of activities focused on healthy eating, fitness and mental health. They will be delivered by Nottingham’s community groups, charities and schools in communities across the city. The city’s lead provider is Nottingham Forest Community Trust.
Parents can book places by visiting www.asklion.co.uk/funandfood where all events are listed along with the contact details of the groups which are organising and taking bookings. There are a limited number of places available for children who aren’t eligible for FSM and these will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is making it hard for families at the moment, so I’m pleased we can continue to support them with the cost of food this summer. No child should have to go hungry just because schools are closed.
“The holiday clubs will provide fun and enriching activities for Nottingham’s children. We’ve got lots of great providers on board – from small community groups to big well-known names like Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Trent Bridge Community Trust and Nottingham Playhouse. There’s going to be something for all interests and in every area of the city.”
READ NEXT:
Meadows neighbours heard 'cry for help' after serious assault
Nottingham has lowest disposable income per person in UK, think tank research finds
Obsessed stalker told woman he would 'burn her house down with her in it'
New cafe and free toilets a 'bonus' in major improvements set for Nottingham's Victoria Embankment
Click here to read the latest Meadows news from Nottinghamshire Live
