15/02/2010 : Community fund sports project
Community Fund Brings Life to Sports Project at Mitchell Brook Primary
Brent Housing Partnership's (BHP) has awarded Mitchell Brook Primary School, £3000 from their Community Fund to run an after school sports programme.
The unique aspect of the project is that it not only benefits young people from Mitchell Brook School but young people from the surrounding areas are welcome to attend as well.
Sports sessions
The main focus of the poject is the sports sessions for young people which are free to attend.
These take place twice a week. On Tuesdays there are drop in football and dance sessions from 3.30pm-4.30pm. On Thursday, there are multi-sports sessions which include netball, basketball and football. The project attracts an average weekly attendance of 80 young people.
Rachel Yankey - Giving back
Rachel Yankey, England and Arsenal Football Team Player, is involved in this project. Coaches from Rachel's coaching company run the sessions with the children. Rachel also attends most of the time to pass on her skills. This project is close to Rachel's heart as not only is she a local resident but she is also passionate about giving back to the community and helping young people get into sports.
Promoting volunteers
On Thursdays, there are two volunteers from local secondary schools who assist the coaches to run sessions. This enables volunteers to develop their coaching skills as they take part in Sports Leaders training courses. The younger children respond well to having these volunteers around because they are closer to them in age.
The aim of the project
The project began because both parents and children stated that there was a need for extra-curricular activities for local young people. Girls also complained that there were not enough activities for them to do, and specifically asked for dance and netball sessions. The school is keen to provide a positive community initiative and build good relationships with the local people.
Theresa Landreth, Headteacher at Mitchell Brook is very supportive of this project and said: "At Mitchell Brook, we see ourselves at the "hub of the community" and believe it is our responsibility to ensure our community is able to have access to wider opportunities such as performing arts and sports. Funding from organisations such as BHP enables us to make this possible."
Adrian Kelly, Extended Schools Co-Ordinator at Mitchell Brook Primary School said: "I would definitely encourage other people to apply for BHP's Community Fund. The funding enables us to provide a project that benefits a wide range of people. It brings people together and breaks down barriers. We are very proud to see the young people learn new skills, develop their confidence and go on to lead healthier and active lifestyles through their involvement in sports. Their parents are also happier and feel they are involved. The Community Fund has enabled us to do this and make a real difference."
Christina Byrne, Neighbourhood Services Manager at BHP said:
"Brent Housing Partnership wants residents to be more involved, not only in the running of our services, but also in their own communities. The Community Fund is one way that residents can get involved by providing facilities or activities which promote good community relations. Sponsoring projects gives BHP a point of contact with residents and an opportunity to engage with them."