Salmon Sports Gateway

Project

Salmon Sports Gateway (London)

Grant amount

£281,355

website

www.salmoncentre.co.uk

project summary

The Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey took possession of a new purpose built youth centre in November 2007, with additional facilities added in 2009. The project aims to use the medium of sport to draw in and develop young people at the centre of a one stop shop of provision in this deprived area of inner London.

what was the grant spent on?

The Football Foundation's grant will pay for three fulltime coaches and one sport development manager to provide an attractive and challenging sports programme, drawing young people into the arts, volunteering, training, youth work and giving them additional strategies for success in adult life.

What are the long term benefits of the project on the community?

• increased awareness of the positive effects of physical activity

• better health and fitness for young people

• young people being seen as pro active members of the community as they volunteer and increase their personal and social skills

• young people communicating more effectively with the wider community, causing fewer misunderstandings

• barriers between young people being broken down through inclusive activities and skilled staff

• whole families attending Salmon, with parents volunteering and children participating in sessions

• increased personal aspirations of young people as they are encouraged into and supported through a variety of sports, arts and youth work courses Increased aspirations as young people begin to realise their potential

Tell us about the positive affect on individuals

• increased health, fitness and technical sporting ability

• increased confidence to participate and communicate effectively with others Improved levels of qualification, preparing young people for adult life and making them more employable

• a place where young people can feel a sense of belonging, where they can have fun, stay safe, be healthy and get off the streets

How has the Foundation's funding made a significant positive difference?

• 402 young people who have gained accreditation/qualification in Sports and Physical Activities

• 850 young people who participate per week on average in positive physical activities as part of the project

• 93% young people surveyed who rate their experience of the project as "very satisfactory"

quotes

Name: Guy Foxell

Position: Sports Manager

"The Project has been an incredible tool for getting to know young people, keeping them healthy, safe and better qualified, while using sports to give them confidence in themselves and their abilities."

Name: Tresor

Position: Participant

"Before I started at Salmon I was in a gang, smoking drugs, going in and out of prison. But since I have been given the opportunity to join the project as a volunteer and work with young people, I have been blessed and I realise that when I was their age there was no one to help me. This is the reason I want to be there for them, so they don’t make the same mistakes as I did.”