North East Young Volunteers in running for V award

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A Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers team in North Tyneside is in the running for a top award after using football to tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough.

North Tyneside Council's StreetGames has reached the finals of the vInspired national awards - the largest youth volunteering awards in the country.

The team clinched the Regional Team award earlier this month after setting up football sessions with young people from Wideopen, supported by a £9,100 grant from the Elected Mayor's Community Investment Fund.

Working in partnership with Northumbria Police, and as part of the Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme, seven team members bought equipment and enrolled on coaching courses to be able to run the classes.

On Thursday, March 22nd, the group will be one of three finalists in the Best Team category when the national ceremony takes place at the BFI IMAX in London.

Councillor Glynis Barrie said: "I'm delighted that StreetGames has reached the final of this prestigious competition. It's a fantastic honour for everyone connected with the group, and they're in with a great chance of winning. StreetGames is undoubtedly having a positive impact on people's lives."

The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme, established in 2007, offers volunteering opportunities for 16 to 25-year-olds within StreetGames projects. It assists young people in developing their confidence, self-esteem and community leadership skills, with the opportunity to gain recognised awards and qualifications.

Team member Rebecca Napier, 19, from Wallsend, said: "The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme has really improved my confidence and I now have the skills to coach my own sessions.

"When I found out we were national finalists, I was amazed. We put in loads of effort but you still don't expect to win something like that. If we won the vInspired national award it would be incredible. I'd be speechless."

Terry Ryall, vInspired CEO said: "The StreetGames North Tyneside team is an inspirational group of young people. Team members have collectively demonstrated amazing dedication to making a positive change for North Tyneside."