An initiative designed to get kids into sport and out of trouble has been praised in parliament.
The Denis Law Legacy Trust’s Streetsport has been running in Aberdeen for years, offering sports, games and creative activity sessions every week night.
The team work with the community safety hub, going into areas where antisocial behaviour or “youth annoyance” has been recorded, and work to reduce this by developing a positive environment – and giving young people something to do.
Run in partnership with the Robert Gordon University, the initiative also works to boost young peoples’ confidence and mental health.
Hopes programme will continue to thrive in 2022
Now StreetSport has been praised in a parliamentary motion put forward by North East MSP Liam Kerr, who was joined by more than 20 other members to applaud it.
The scheme has started the new year with almost 200 participants in its first week back and new session locations are awaiting confirmation.
Extra financial backing in the form of a £10,000 grant from the NHS Grampian endowment fund has allowed the trust to offer even more safe spaces for young people to join in.
Mark Williams, chief operating officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “2021 was another challenging year for so many, charities included, and not least for the young people who attend Streetsport on a weekly basis and have had to deal with so many interruptions due to Covid in what is a pivotal stage of their upbringing.
“We do what we do for them and hope to continue our growth in 2022 and beyond. This recognition is a testament to the work of our staff and volunteers, of which we’re very grateful for.”
Read more:
- Having a ball: How Aberdeen’s Denis Law Legacy Trust is boosting mental health of thousands
- Streetsport wins top award for work tackling mental health stigma
- Hugely successful street sport programme needs volunteers to cope with demand