Dark Nights: Football Not Fireworks
Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme is delighted to announce the return of its Dark Nights: Football Not Fireworks sessions for 2026, providing young people across Sheffield with free, positive activities during the darker evenings.
Delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Council Local Area Committees, South Yorkshire Police and other local partners, the initiative aims to help keep young people safe, active and engaged during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, while supporting efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour across local communities.
Following the success of previous years, the programme will once again offer open-access sessions where young people can come together, take part in activities, make friends and enjoy a safe, welcoming environment away from the streets.
This year's sessions will take place at three venues across Sheffield, alongside a special Dark Nights Kicks football tournament bringing together young people from across different football club community programmes.
2026 Dark Nights Sessions
Longley Four Greens Community Centre: Saturday 31 October, 6pm–9pm
Parson Cross Park & Pavilion: Thursday 5 November, 6pm–9pm
Concord Sports Centre: Friday 6 November, 6pm–9pm
As part of the wider provision, the Community Programme will also host a Dark Nights Kicks Tournament at Concord Sports Centre on Friday 30 October, from 5pm to 9pm, welcoming other football club community organisations to take part.
Paul Hebda, Youth & Integration Manager at Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, said:
“The continued partnership between Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, Sheffield City Council Local Area Committees and South Yorkshire Police, amongst other partners, is fantastic. It allows us to continue delivering our open-access Dark Nights: Football Not Fireworks sessions, providing young people with a safe and engaging space during times when they may be most at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.
“The funding provided by the Local Area Committees continues to create more opportunities and support the development of provision for young people across Sheffield.”
The Community Programme is delighted to continue working alongside its partners to provide opportunities that help young people stay safe, build positive relationships and feel connected to their local communities during the darker nights.
To find out more about Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme's Youth and Integration work, please contact paul.hebda@swfccp.co.uk.