Footballers from Camden Disabled FC and In Tune from Hackney who got to show off their skills at Talacre Community Sports Centre in Kentish Town

THE new year is underway and it arrives promising a whole host of sporting opportunities for energetic youngsters looking to represent their borough in 2023.

Among the fixtures being finalised for the diary are future mixed ability football matches following a successful trial event which was held at the Talacre Community Sports Centre in Kentish Town last month to celebrate International Day of Disabled Persons, which is on December 3.

Organised by Camden Sports Development, in partnership with the London Inclusion Sports Academy, the skilful showpiece saw players from Camden Disabled FC take on In Tune from Hackney. It proved such a success that more friendlies are now being planned with even more boroughs getting involved.

“The day really wasn’t about who won, it was about getting young people back out on the pitch having a good time and enjoying their football,” explained organiser Ben Dorsett, who works for Camden Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Service. “The day was played in really good spirits and everyone really enjoyed taking part. It was fantastic seeing so many talented young footballers all having fun and interacting with each other.

“We’re already working on future match days, and are hoping that we can also get more of our neighbouring boroughs like Westminster and Islington involved, too.”

The action won’t stop there, with the London Youth Games – the largest annual youth sports competition in Europe – also back up and running.

The event, which also incorporates the School Games, offers up competitive opportunities in a wide range of different sports for young people aged seven to 18 years old who live or go to school in the capital.

In February alone kids from across Camden will get to take part in sports hall athletics, boccia, indoor cricket and trampolining.

March will be even more manic with points and medals up for grabs in indoor rowing, rugby, netball, girls’ football, badminton, basketball and new-age kurling.

And the London Youth Games won’t be the only opportunity for athletes to don their borough’s colours. On Saturday, April 22 the TCS Mini London Marathon will return to its more familiar spring setting having recently taken place in October following the Covid outbreak.

The testing challenge will see runners take to the streets of Westminster and – covering a distance of either one-mile or 2.6k – racing towards the world-famous finish line on The Mall.

To find out about all the opportunities to represent Team Camden in 2023 email Ben.Dorsett@camden.gov.uk