Supporting Young People via The Prince’s Trust ‘Start Something’ campaign

The end of April saw 15 young people of all abilities involved in our ‘Get Started in Multi-Sport,’ part of The Princes’ Trust ‘Start Something’ programme further evidencing The Pythian Club’s ‘Open Up The Badge’ initiative to drive equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging through sports participation. 

This programme saw participants gaining sports’ qualifications such as ‘Active Leaders’, a practical training course enabling young people to become Active Leaders and a Lawn Tennis Association’s ‘Tennis Leaders Course’.  As part of this week-long programme, CV building, marketing and other work-related skills were provided to help strengthen the attendees’ future prospects. In addition, participants gained coaching badges thanks to community sponsors Street Games UK, and Sport England, all helping to provide them with the support to identify next step opportunities.

The Club were honoured to have Veronica Pickering, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, the first Black woman in Nottinghamshire to be appointed to the role by the King, visit our base at Heathfield Community Centre. As well as inspiring our programme participants through sharing her humble beginnings, and the key role that sport played in her life, the High Sheriff also presented certificates proudly received by two well-deserving participants. 

Participant Joel Kilford, recipient of the ‘Best Progress’ certificate said: "When I started this course, I was unsure as to whether it would be for me. But I have to say as the week went on, I definitely grew into it and made massive progress in terms of my mental state and confidence. I also gained skills, memories and friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime and I now really feel that I am part of one big, happy family".

George Lindsey, The Pythian Club Development Manager, added: “Within your career there are stand out moments and this week has definitely been one of them! From the get-go these young people have shown determination, have engaged and worked together as a team supporting one another. It’s been a real pleasure and a privilege to witness how their confidence has grown and see them flourishing throughout the week.”

To further support this cohort, we’re delighted to confirm you can expect to see some of these young people taking on the role of Pythian Ambassadors where they will be designing and delivering sports sessions utilising their new-found skills. 

You can find further information on times and venues of our sport sessions, here.

Thanks to by Nottingham Post and Notts TV’s ‘Notts Today’ (see below) for their coverage of this wonderful programme.

Cover image: Nottingham Post

As featured on Notts TV’s ‘Notts Today’.