A group of 23 young people from Ealing borough recently graduated from a program called Street Elite, which aims to help unemployed youth build self-belief and work skills through sports and mentoring. The program, run by The Change Foundation and Berkeley Foundation with support from Ealing Council, is designed for young individuals aged between 18 and 25 who have been out of work for a while.
Throughout the nine-month program, participants engage in sports activities and receive guidance to improve their skills and discipline, ultimately preparing them for the workforce. What sets Street Elite apart is that the coaches leading the program have either gone through it themselves or understand the challenges that young people face.
The recent graduates had the opportunity to celebrate their achievement by co-hosting a youth sports festival at The Green Quarter in Southall. The event provided nearly 200 school children with the chance to try out various sports like football, yoga, street dance, and more. This not only encouraged physical activity but also exposed the children to new and diverse activities they may not have considered before.
As a result of their hard work, each graduate is now being offered work experience with the Berkeley Group, in addition to ongoing support to help them access further education or training opportunities. Yvette Santana, a Street Elite coach, emphasized the importance of helping individuals who face obstacles in returning to work or education, such as caring responsibilities, mental health issues, or financial constraints.
Alex Feldman, the deputy head of Dairy Meadow School in Southall, shared how the Green Quarter Festival had a positive impact on his Year 4 students. He noted that introducing them to different sports like yoga could spark a lifelong interest and open doors to new experiences and cultural learning.
Overall, the success of the Street Elite program highlights the power of combining sports, mentorship, and community support to empower young people and pave the way for a brighter future. Through initiatives like these, disadvantaged youth can gain the confidence and skills they need to pursue their goals and contribute positively to society. For more information about Street Elite and the organizations involved, visit www.berkeleyfoundation.org.uk/who-we-support/street-elite.