The future looks bright for the young men graduating from the Street League Academy, writes Amber Fairrie of Creatives Against Poverty. But it hasn’t always been that way.
It was a grey and windy morning as Nafesha, Makda and myself walked through the little paths of Calthorpe Park in London to a meeting room overlooking a football pitch. But the moment we walked in to the graduation ceremony for the young men of Street League it was smiles and sunshine all round! Street League, a Trust charity partner, uses the power of football to get disadvantaged youth into work, education or training.
What an inspiring group of young men! I was so impressed by the dedication, persistence and positive attitude embodied by all — no matter what their background. We all know it can be tricky getting a job out there in the big city and staying motivated if you’re job hunting, let alone if you don’t have the resources and support network that some of us are so lucky to have. But through the efforts of the masterminds behind Street League they are given hope. Street League brings already existing qualities in these charismatic boys right to the surface for all to see.
There were 11 graduates there that day and they all made animated, honest, funny, touching and charming speeches sharing their experiences of how far they had come in their 8 weeks in the East London branch of Street League. Just this in itself is such a huge step. Public speaking is the number one fear in the world! All the boys did it with such panache any employer would be convinced.
One employer was already hooked by these new skills as Michael was not present at the graduation as he is already working at Debenhams! He attended his last classes with Street League on his days off from his new job.
Another graduate, Fred told of his past struggle with getting out of bed in the morning. He said that Coach Terry was a great motivator who saw his potential and persisted with him no matter how lazy he may have been. Through Terry’s eyes, Fred was able to see it himself and create goals for the future. He has now been contacted by American Football and will commence a scholarship there this February.
All of the boys spoke with true respect and appreciation for their coach Terry and advisor Rachel. They all felt that each of them recognised qualities they hadn’t seen in themselves and persevered with them. They even didn’t mind the occasional bollocking!
Some wished they could have been a part of it sooner. It’s never to late, especially with career advisors like these. Lloyd became a father for the first time in the first week and through Terry’s understanding, he still made it to present his graduation speech. This wasn’t the only first Lloyd experienced during Street League. It was also the first time he felt part of a team, and his first stitches from a football injury! He still loved every second.
Carlos travelled from Kilburn each week as he wanted to break out of his circle and meet new friends in a new area. He signed up with a friend that day, but his friend did not make it to graduation. Carlos continued his commute from Kilburn each week and he could not be happier with the outcome. He now has an extensive CV with brand new qualifications and strong goals for the future.
Some of the boys have passionate plans to become coaches and are working towards new qualifications. All of them have hope and drive to be productive members in their community– not only through working and education; but also by volunteering and giving back the way Street League has given to them. It’s clear that through recognising, understanding and nurturing these boys, Street League has started to grow men of the future.
Claude brings new starters to Street League constantly. From day one he always felt at home there. He said that Street League made employment far less daunting by bringing employers to him and creating a drive to achieve possible goals. Street League showed him what’s out there for the taking!
All graduates felt their communications skills, confidence, team playing and general day-to-day motivation has sky-rocketed since attending Street League. The programme enabled them to be positive about their futures no matter what they have to face.
Graduate Victor could not have put it any better… “As I face and tackle the inevitable changes, I will hold true to myself. I will always remember to hold onto my value system, my work ethic and most importantly my humanity. It is these qualities that will guide me further on my journey,” he said. “Street League will always be remembered for caring enough to help me and for making me feel special and also for the skill, technique and confidence they’ve rendered to me. I give thanks to new horizons as they contribute greatly to today’s achievement in my life.”
All were warned that the next step would begin on Monday morning. Rachel will be awaiting their calls asking for job opportunities. She encouraged them to set their alarms no matter what plans they had for the day. Something tells me these young men have bright futures even if this windy winter is still blowing hard.
From: Diary of an Outreach Officer at Creatives Against Poverty
Photos by Makda Iyasu
