“Supporting disadvantaged and disengaged young people in Aston, through football.”

Summary

Using the universal appeal of football to attract and engage marginalised young people from six to 19 years. By helping with their personal and social development it aims to reduce youth criminal activity,

truancy and other forms of negative behaviour, to build up self-esteem and hope for the future, and to help young people realise their potential.

Aims/Objectives

Using football as a means to engage young people to help make a difference in the community by:

• Increasing youth confidence and self esteem
• Increasing sporting/football skills of the youth
• Improving health and fitness of youth
• Increase youth abilities, discipline and dedication
• Give youth new opportunities
• Improve teamwork and interactive skills

Achievements

Positive feedback has shown that the young people are benefiting from physical and mental health development and that football can support enabling social integration. This is supported by the views of teachers, parents and others in the community. The coaching staff providing excellent role models, and are aware this is a major part of their role.

During the project Fentham FC has worked with 50 of young people creating 2 teams:

• Junior team in their second season of 2004/2005 they became Birmingham Boys and Girls Junior Football league champions and won league Major Cup winning 20 out of a total of 23 games.
• Senior team (16-19) playing in the Shapla League the Birmingham Bangladeshi League losing in the league cup final at Aston Villa FC ground and finishing 3 rd in the league.

An early evaluation of the project showed it was having a positive impact including:

• Physical fitness and healthy living improvements including diet and drug awareness
• Social integration and equalities awareness
• Greater self-discipline, self-esteem and appreciation of the benefits of team building
• A more positive attitude
• Improvements in behaviour at home and school
• A return to mainstream education and activities.

Future

• Take advantage of the growing reputation of Fentham FC to secure good publicity, local support and private sector sponsorship.
• Link in other youth agencies/organizations both sports and regeneration to work in collaboration.
• Think creatively about courses and events for young people, consider other sports activities such as athletics, cricket, Thai boxing, badminton, etc. Taking into account where and what times are they needed most, and how can the short term, off the streets, benefit be carried over to the rest of the week.
• Consider activities specifically for young girls, so to offer them the same opportunities.