The winner of the Year 7 Public Speaking Competition Gethin speaks out about what you can do to encourage young people into sport.

The Harrow club is situated 150 yards from the Grenfell Tower and works to try and support children from deprived families and keep them off the streets. They achieve this through The Another Way project which provides a safe space, off the streets, for young people at night and in the early hours of the morning. They also host various after-school activities such as cooking, computing, debate boxing, and football.

Every pair of football boots that is donated will make a massive difference to these children’s lives because not only will they help them get off the streets to a safe environment, but they will give them something that they can enjoy and use to feel part of a team within their community. For example, when I went down to the Harrow club in June, there was an Afghan refugee who received a pair of the donated football boots and he would not otherwise be able to play football for the team. That boy was 4,500 miles away from his home and may never get to see it again. Young people just want to feel like they belong somewhere and by having the right kit, they can belong to the community football team.

Last year, we received 50 pairs of football boots from the Emanuel community, which means 50 children’s lives were changed for the better, allowing them to enjoy football with their friends. And so, if we can get 51 pairs of boots this year, that is one more child’s life that may be changed for the better. When you watch the news it all seems a little abstract but when I went down to the Harrow Club, I saw the effect it had, and you would not believe how much of a positive difference it makes.

If you are able to donate to the campaign, the Harrow Club need:

  • Used football boots (but good condition)
  • Football socks
  • Shin pads
  • Football shirts/sportswear

If you have any of the items to donate, please bring these into school from Monday 31st January – Friday 4th February. There will be a box left at the Gatehouse for the collection.

Thank you in advance for your donations.

Gethin (Year 7)

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