Proof that Sports Leadership changes lives

Following Justice Secretary Ken Clarke’s announcement for ‘radical’ prison reforms, Sports Leaders UK proves it has a solution for diverting youths from prison and offending. Last year, brothers Jay and Danny Holloway, members of the notorious Newington gang in Thanet, stood side by side in the dock on ASBO charges. Yet just one year on, 22 year old Jay has been nominated for Kent County Council’s Triangle Award for his exceptional services to the community. In Spring 2009, while his younger brother Danny continued to get into trouble with the police, Jay decided he wanted more from life and signed up to Thanet Council’s Sport 4 NRG programme. The Sport 4 NRG programme provides opportunities in the Thanet area for young offenders, or those in danger of offending, to undertake sports and physical activities. Jay took the Sports Leaders UK Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership as part of the programme, and has since been passing on his skills to young people that are heading in the same direction that he was. Since completing his Sports Leaders UK qualification in February Jay has been nominated for an award in the category of Services to the Community. Jay said: “The Sport 4 NRG programme and Sports Leaders UK qualification have turned my life around, I finally feel good about myself and what I am doing with my life. I just hope that more young people get the opportunities that I had. I definitely think that the programme goes a long way in diverting people from a life of crime.” Sports Leaders UK Head of Foundation, Ron Tulley said: “Sports Leaders UK changes lives. For many young people a leadership role in sport gives them recognition and a sense of self worth that they would not otherwise find.” “Jay has proved that with hard work, determination and focus comes great achievement.” Sport 4 NRG Officer, James Gregory said: “Thanet Council’s Sports 4 NRG project offers free sports leadership training to young people aged 16 - 24 who are unsure about what they want to do after leaving school. “The training helps young people learn how to communicate in different settings, plan and deliver sports sessions safely and improve self confidence. The transferable skills learnt on Sports Leaders UK courses prepare candidates for further education and employment opportunities.”