A REDDITCH-based community project which helps turn disadvantaged and isolated teens onto sports has received a much needed boost thanks the Big Lottery Fund.
The Unlocking Potential Foundation CIC (UP Foundation) received £9,900 for its ‘Sporting Chance’ project based in Batchely, which delivers sports and fitness sessions to young and disadvantaged people in the town.
The sessions run weekly and project leader Luke Freer said: “Getting young people off the streets and getting them interested in being social and being able to trust again is so important.
“Some of the young people we work with have never played sports before, but being able to do so in a positive environment means they can socialise somewhere they feel safe and comfortable.
“We want to build up rapport with the young people and provide them with one-on-one support and informal mentoring on issues like personal development, crime, and anything else significant to their lives.
“We aim to encourage young people to try positive activities which may then help reduce anti-social behaviour and isolation from certain groups within the Redditch community.”
The funding will allow the project to continue for another 35 weeks – meaning that those enjoying the football and social sessions in Redditch can do so until the Autumn and the volunteer-run are really pleased to be continuing their work in Redditch.
“We have been looking to get some funding for a long time so this grant means a lot to us. We hope that we will be able to secure more funding on a more permanent basis soon to allow the club to keep running,” he added.
The Big Lottery Fund has funded 69 community project, totalling £2.9m across the West Midlands.
Anyone interested in helping the group can contact them at [email protected]
