|
Greenhill | Projects | Greenhill Sports Project
|
|
| Greenhill All Sports Project (GRASP) |
|
2001 was a monumental year for the Greenhill All Sports Project (GRASP) group from Coalville. The group of young, predominantly unemployed people from the Greenhill estate was established in 1995 to help individuals use sport to develop skills and assist them to enter the workplace. They quickly identified the need for improved local facilities and the long quest for funding began.
Following numerous unsuccessful grant applications the group was overjoyed to finally secure funding through the SRB6 programme. Construction of the floodlight and fenced multi-use sports pitch began on a cold wet February morning in 2001. The unusually wet weather continued throughout the spring and caused unavoidable delays in construction due to flooding.
The new facility was finally handed over on June 29 and a week later an official opening was held. Representatives of North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire County Council and Aggregate Industries made speeches praising the partnership working and perseverance of the young people.
Tuesday July 10 saw the first football tournament for the local youngsters, kicked off by Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.
Since then the pitch has proved a great hit with local youngsters. Interest has seen the formation of new under-10s and under-16s football teams. Sessions for youngsters with disabilities are held on a regular basis and the facility has been used for tenants and residents play-schemes, sports coaching awards and school holiday activities.
Fortunately for GRASP the project has managed to grow its own sports leadership. Daniel Griffiths has been involved in GRASP from the start and now has a 20 hour a week job doing what he loves - coaching young people across the county of Leicestershire, including young people from his own estate. Daniel is also involved in a local school, running a Junior Sports Leaders Awards course, where 15 and 16 year olds are taught to work with younger children. Already some of the trainees are showing the enthusiasm that means they could go on to become the next generation of qualified coaches.
The future looks bright for the facility, with an expanding programme of activities and events.
For further information contact: Craig Taylor, Sports Development Officer, NWLDC, on 01530-454545 |
|
Anyone fancy doing a photographic essay about the group and interviewing people for this website.
Contact Mantle Arts on 01530 830811 |
|
|
|
