A group of unemployed young people from Oldham have completed a community improvement project at Oldham Rugby League Football Club in Limehurst Village, Oldham.
The youngsters are currently completing The Prince’s Trust Team programme with Groundwork, to give them the skills and confidence to find a job. During the 13-week course, they have been fundraising, helping communities and building their skills to help them find work.
The team of six young people, aged between 16 and 25, have been working on project at The Whitebank Stadium for three weeks, mainly sanding down and re-painting fences and supporter stands.
Chelsea Stockley, 16, from Coppice is one of the young people involved in the project. She said: “I think the project has been superb! It’s been hard work but it was worth it.”
Groundwork Prince’s Trust team member Karrie Curry, 18, also from Coppice, added: “We have worked as a team and made the rugby club much better.”
Oldham RLFC chairman, Christopher Hamilton, said: “This is the second time we have worked with Groundwork and The Prince’s Trust and the projects they have carried out have been a great help to us.
“The young people were really enthusiastic and they clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Their confidence grew from the time they first arrived at the ground and long before they finished I was the subject of some banter from them when I saw them each day!
“We would also like to thank Regenda for supporting this project. I am sure, once again, that spectators will notice the difference when they come to the ground.”
The project has been supported by housing group Regenda who contributed £600 to buy materials to allow the project to go ahead. The Whitebank Stadium, home of Oldham Rugby League FC, is a central part of the Limehurst Village community.
The Regenda Group’s Regional Director, Bill Lovat, said: “The Prince’s Trust programme provides an excellent opportunity for young adults to gain practical experience and learn new skills. Oldham Rugby League Club is a key partner in supporting the local community, helping us to deliver our commitments for the Limehurst Village ten year vision.”
Jo Shaw, Groundwork Prince’s Trust Team Leader, commented: “The team have worked well together over the past three weeks to complete their community project. They have supported and motivated each other and have each had a leadership day when they have led the entire team, working on key skills such as communication, confidence and motivation.”
The Prince’s Trust will help 55,000 disadvantaged young people this year, giving them the confidence and skills to turn their lives around. Three in four young people on Prince’s Trust schemes move into work, education or training.
The next Groundwork Prince’s Trust Team in Oldham will start on Monday 12th May. For more information on the course, please call Joanne Shaw on 07739 978 791 or email joanne.shaw@groundwork.org.uk