Sporting opportunities for youngsters in Bristol pack a punch

Young people from Knowle West, Easton and St Paul's showed a Home Office senior official the sporting opportunities they have been given thanks to the government's Positive Futures initiative.

The scheme offers access to lifestyle, educational and job opportunities for young people living in some of the most deprived areas of England and Wales.

Simon Eglington from the Home Office was given a tour around The Park in Knowle West by Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, who has been working with young people for more than 35 years.

After lunch, he spoke to members of the boxing project at the City Academy before going on to the Riverside Leisure Centre in Easton.

Mr Stinchcombe said: "The funding from Positive Futures enables us to continue working hard to reach and challenging young people.

"The sporting opportunities they have access to give them a focus. To see young people from all different backgrounds enjoying themselves and working together is so special.

"I think Mr Eglington was very pleased with what he saw," he added.

The Knowle West celebration took place on Friday at The Park, in Daventry Road.

The achievements of all the young people involved in the project were highlighted and certificates and awards were presented to those who have successfully completed a range of challenging courses.

The achievements of sports clubs established by the project, including The Park netball team, Broadbury Park Girls' FC and the Positive Futures Boys' FC were also highlighted.

The second birthday celebrations coincided with the national launch of Raising the Bar – a publication which shows how thousands of young people across the country are benefiting from Positive Futures projects.

Project manager Alistair Dale said: "This was a great opportunity for the project to celebrate all the hard work that the staff and young people have put in over the last 12 months.

"Positive Futures projects provide young people with much more than just access to activities, it aims to provide long-term opportunities to young people, with the goal of gaining accreditation, training and, ultimately, employment."