Breaking down barriers
Our coaches have worked with young adults with behavioural problems at the Orchardside Pupil Referral Unit in Enfield. In 2022 they participated in a community football match against the Enfield Police. The students took a brave and unique approach to break social barriers between youth and the Police. Led by Enfield Town Community Coach Dami Eniolorunda who was ever present both on the sideline and on the pitch . Very successful for both parties, as Orchardside Superstars were victorious on the day (winning 6 – 3). Also for the Police, who were engaging with the youth, plus encouraging the students on the day!
Our coaching sessions with Orchardside Pupil Referral Unit continue to have an impact. Simon Bolden of Orchardside has reflected on the part these sessions play for the pupils and says:-
“Research suggests that young people get into problems when they are unoccupied and have less structure to their day. Young people are more likely to be impacted by serious youth crime outside of school hours. Young people need diversionary activities before and after school to disrupt that trajectory towards violence by occupying that unstructured time before and after school.
At Orchardside we have an established breakfast club and after school provision for our young people to mitigate these risk factors that lead to serious youth violence.
This is not only part of our violence reduction initiative, it is also part of our efforts to create a sense of belonging and connectedness amongst our young people. Our hope is that by creating a safe community environment and community cohesion, we will be able support their wellbeing and nurture positive attachments amongst other students and staff.
Enfield Town Football Club have been a great help in supporting this initiative given quality coaching to our students on Tuesday’s after school club. The students love interacting with the coach Adisa and he understands how to get the best out of our groups.”
