02/09/2009 : A Summer of sports for young people

Our Neighbourhood Warden Service organised diversionary sports activities for young people on the St Raphael's Estate this summer.

The estate is home to many young people looking for something interesting to do in the long summer holidays. Our Warden Service worked in partnership with the local community to provide multi-sports activities including football, basketball and cricket.

Navel Clarke, Community Co-ordinator of the diversionary activities said "We have been conducting a seven week programme of multi-sports and have had 69 young people attend so far. It's been a very useful and popular programme.

Our target has been 6-25 year olds and we have had a real variety of ages attend. This was an excellent opportunity for the young people on the St Raphael's estate and keeps them occupied and doing something productive.

It has brought a real community spirit and enabled them to meet new people. The Neighbourhood Wardens have been excellent; they are always on hand, playing their part in sessions. They get involved and play with the young people. The young people look up to the Wardens and their presence brings a safer environment to the project."

Mohamed Osman, BHP Warden said "It's a very good project which keeps the youths busy and productive. We have had no problems, the young people have responded very well. It's an excellent example; there should be more activities like this."

Peter Nugent, aged 16, takes part in the diversionary activities project. He is also Captain of the St Raphael's Football Team and has high aspirations to one day coach football. He said "There are many young people who turn up to do the multi-sports activities. There are lots of opportunities for everyone to get involved. It gives young people something to do and keeps them off the street.

You also learn new skills and improve in sports. I am using this as a stepping stone to take the FA Football Coaching Level 1 certificate, this is all good training for me and I am able to practice my coaching skills on my peer group."

TJ Clarke, aged 8, attends the project. He said "I really enjoy the project. It gives me something to do and I look forward to going. I've made new friends and I like learning from the older boys."