On Sunday 4th December 2022, Little Victories in the Community launched an exciting new project dedicated to providing young people with life changing opportunities within sport.
The project will focus on providing exceptional experiences within sport for young people with additional needs or who experience long term mental health conditions.
The aim of the project is to provide and facilitate opportunities that will enhance the lives of young people, nurturing meaningful social relationships and empowering those that access the initiative to live happier and healthier.
The three key goals for the young people are:
- Enjoyment: new experiences within the world of sport, sharing adventures with friends and visiting new places.
- Independence: traveling to and navigating new places, experiencing a wide variety of sporting events within the UK and developing skills for the future.
- Confidence: learning to manage emotions within new settings, taking steps to challenge yourself and building self-esteem.
The first event saw three young people (L, Jay and William) attend a Women’s Super League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC, at Old Trafford.
This trip provided an opportunity for the young people to experience a new city (it was William’s first time in Manchester) and watch live football at one of the best stadiums in the world known as ‘The Theatre of Dreams’.
Arriving at Old Trafford.
The match was a thrilling 5-0 win for United, with England hero Alessia Russo scoring in front of the famous Stretford End (where we were sat) and Lioness Ella Toone winning Player of the Match. It was incredible to see so many of the England Lionesses play after winning the Euro's in the summer.
The trip provided a fantastic start for the project with Jay claiming triumphantly on the way home: “Today has been a huge success.” William added that he’d like to do more trips in the future, with more young people, as he feels it would be a great help with his mental health even suggesting: “In the summer, how about a seaside trip?” We love that idea William! L, who is an avid football fan with a season ticket at his local club, said he’d like to try new things while enjoying being with friends.
A great opportunity to enjoy sport with friends. It's definitely a thumbs up from us!
The trips are designed to be accessible for young people, with finances associated working out more cost effective than a personal assistant, with a significant positive impact on the young person, including social and emotional health.
Feedback from parents has been exceptional. The young people involved have already been working together to create a list of activities they would like to do, playing an important role in the planning of future events, further supporting the development of life skills and independence.
Staff that support all have DBS checks, safeguarding training and experience working in sport, with young people and within community settings.
Sophie Bartup, who assisted the trip said: “Wow, what a day we had. All three young people had the best day, smiles always on their faces.
We're passionate about these trips being opportunities the young people can enjoy, experiencing everything that the world of sport has to offer.
Hearing the young people plan future trips was brilliant and for them to play a vital role in researching new places, how we can travel, and the costs associated was really impactful and will no doubt contribute to their personal and social development.”
A great day had by all, with plans for more!
LVITC is working on delivering more trips to include football matches, Ice Hockey, Basketball and much more.
If you would like to know more about the trips, please follow this link to get in touch: Contact | Little Victories In (littlevictoriesinthecommunity.com)
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