Champ Cardle a big hit with AFC Fylde community

The British lightweight champion has pledged his support to spread the word about AFC Fylde’s commitment to creating local legacies which benefit the Fylde coast.

Cardle, who lives in Lytham, will be working alongside AFC Fylde Community Foundation to help educate, motivate and inspire future generations to build better communities for all.

To kickstart the partnership, Cardle recently visited Youth Base, a new Lytham St Anne’s youth club, which is run by AFC Fylde Community Foundation and is already having a positive impact on the area.

Youth Base, located in the recently renovated Community Pavilion in Hope Street Park, provides a fun, safe and welcoming environment for young people aged from seven to 10.

Cardle, who is due to defend his British title shortly against Kevin Hooper, joined in with an activity session with a group of seven to 10-year-olds and talked about his own experiences, while offering some advice during his visit.

He explained: “I’m really proud to be asked to support AFC Fylde Community Foundation and its many projects.

“For my first activity as an official ambassador, it’s been great to come and see a project particularly close to my own heart.

“Boxing can help teach young people a lot about discipline, commitment and it obviously gets people fit and healthy, so it’s been fun to come and share my experiences and knowledge with everyone at Youth Base.”

Tom Hutton, director of community development at the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, added: “Scott is a great ambassador for AFC Fylde Community Foundation.

“He’s a proud local resident who can use his popularity to help shout about all our great projects, a lot of which focus around health and well-being, anti-bullying and reintegration and rehabilitation.”

“The young people at the Youth Base loved speaking to Scott during the visit.

“He’s a great local role model and someone people can really relate to, so we’re really looking forward to working together during the rest of the year.”

The Youth Base is already having a positive impact on the local community, with the local police and Fylde Council recording a 50 percent decrease in crime and a 33 percent decrease in anti-social behaviour reported in the area.

There have also been no reports of any crime taking place on the park since the club opened at the beginning of the year, according to Lancashire Police statistics.

Sessions run on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8pm for 7 to 10 year olds and on Fridays from 6pm – 8pm for 11 to 14 year olds.

The youth club is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.