Football coach wants to inspire youngsters (From Croydon Guardian)
Contact us: Got a photo? Text SLPICS to 80360, click to upload your story, or call
020 8722 6350
Thornton Heath football coach wants to inspire youngsters
7:20am Sunday 8th July 2012 in News By Andrew Bloss
(L-R) Donovan Reid – left, Street league participant Clifford, and Programme co-ordinator Mark Bishop
A young football coach said he wants to be an inspiration to the next set of youngsters who graduate from the Street League Academy.
Donovan Reid, 20, from Thornton Heath, finished the programme last year and is now employed by a charity as an apprentice coach.
Fifteen young people graduated from the most recent programme on June 13.
The charity works with 16 to 25 year-olds who are not in education, employment and training.
It runs a football and education programme which helps young people improve their employability and life skills.
Mr Reid said: “I graduated last December. I kept in touch with Street League and eventually this opportunity came up with their apprenticeship programme.
“So I applied and I got the place, and now I have been working for Street League for four months. It has been a really good opportunity for me. I’m taking so many things on board.
He said: “I recently turned 20 and it’s really good for someone like me because I feel I am giving something back to my community, because I am from Croydon.
“I am a prime example for these young people because I have been through the programme myself.”
For further information about Street League’s Croydon Academy, please contact Youth and Community Coach George Parnavelas on 07557 959103 or email george.parnavelas@streetleague.co.uk
