INTIATIVE LIKE NO OTHER
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Henry Ford
It's that time of year
again when we reflect on another unforgettable summer of football and
Friday marked the end of another successful three weeks of Kelston
Road Football.
For those of you that
haven’t a clue what Kelston Road Football is then here's a brief
overview.
Kelston Road Football
was a football initiative set up by Joe Ryan back in 2011. It was set
up in a challenging area in Keynsham (Bristol outskirts). An area
that was notoriously troubled with a debilitated community. I will
post a video below explaining what the Kelston Road initiative is.
The initiative is now
four years old and thriving after attracting over 90 kids in 2014
which is remarkable when you consider the location of the project.
This included a mixture of ages, abilities, genders and backgrounds.
The project started off with an overall turnout of 15-20 kids.
Why is over 90 kids so
impressive? Over the years though many kids and coaches have left
Kelston to explore different paths and venture onto bigger and better
things. During that time the initiative has still managed to grow
with 15 different coaches all volunteering and getting involved within
the initiative. With an additional six guest coaches from the
Somerset FA, Bristol Rovers and the national FA all giving up their
time to put on sessions.
The initiative has also
put on successful tournaments, fun days and recently engaged in a
charity football match with Waitrose in which all the proceeds go
towards the Kelston Road Football initiative. The match
provided opportunities for Kelston players Michael Frison (15) and
Lewis Baker (15) to referee the match. An opportunity which both lads
seized and impressed.
One of the impressive
elements about Kelston though is how it is an initiative that is run
by young people for young people. A tradition which Kelston has been
built upon.
This is a element that
is set to continue in future years with young leaders Keynsham Town
FC gaining experience through the initiative. This then escalates into young leaders receiving the opportunity to coach regularly at Keynsham Town FC to built on their experience. This can lead to young leaders receiving the oppurtunity to sit their Level 1 coaching badge in football and hopefully running Kelston in future years.
This summer a number a Kelston players have expressed interest in getting more involved in the coaching/refereeing side of football. In theory they may get the opportunity to carry on an initiative that they have had experience participating in. This is helping them develop as leaders and as fascinating people.
Kelston has also
created links with the local county FA with numerous coaches becoming
involved within the FA's Football Futures programme and the Somerset
FA Youth Council which now includes 5 Kelston members. This has
provided a clear and positive pathway for any kids to keep involved
within football in different capacity whether it be a coach, player,
referee, organiser amongst many other possible careers within
football.
Being a Kelston coach
does come with it's fair-share of challenges such as dealing with
minor conflicts between players, parents and difficult weather
conditions all testing factors that are part of being a coach. The
positives do outweigh the negatives though as a coach.
I got a few words from a few coaches on Kelston this week...
Make no mistake, The players within the Kelston Road initiative are just as vital as the coaches. They are the ones that make the initiative a success. Many kids have come and gone but they have shown surprising enthusiasm about creating new friendships with people that they may not necessarily interact with through sport. The kids contribute to making the initiative a positive and enjoyable atmosphere upon which the initiative has become recognisable for.
Making friends and acquaintances through the initiative the kids have helped improve the community massively. Since Kelston Road Football started the crime-rate in the surrounding area during the summer has been reduced by upto 50%. This is down to improved relationships within the community and the reduced levels of anti-sociable behaviour.
Making friends and acquaintances through the initiative the kids have helped improve the community massively. Since Kelston Road Football started the crime-rate in the surrounding area during the summer has been reduced by upto 50%. This is down to improved relationships within the community and the reduced levels of anti-sociable behaviour.
So that's it. Another Kelston summer has flown by with many memories shared, created and kept. On a brief personnel note, I'd like to say a massive thank you to all players that have come to Kelston over the last four years. I'd like to think that I've shared a memory or two with each and every player and that I have many more to come. All the players have been exceptional with whatever task/challenge I've placed down infront of you and have taught me a great amount. I'd like to think that they've still lessons to teach me for years to come.
I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the coaches over the last four years. I've also learnt a huge deal off you guys throughout Kelston. So I thank you for putting up with my clumsy mishaps or dodgy jokes and hope to see you all again next year.
Thank you all for dedicating your time and effort towards Kelston.
ChippKG
Twitter - @ChippKG
Instagram - ChippKG
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