With over 23 years of dedication to community work through sport, fitness, and youth engagement, Coach Ceejay’s unwavering commitment to serving underserved young people has had a profound positive impact in the local area.
Courtney “Ceejay” James is a Community Sports Coordinator with London-based youth-led sports organisation Future Kidz Development CiC.
2024 has seen Ceejay working tirelessly to drive the development of Future Kidz Development and further increase its impact. Over the summer, despite facing a particularly challenging time with the loss of a close family member, Ceejay remained steadfast in his mission to serve the community. Making the most of the buzz around the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, he successfully led two teams of senior staff and young leaders to deliver handball taster sessions at the Path to Paris Community Day and the London Youth Games Finals at the Copper Box Arena, creating opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at an Olympic sport. He also mobilised his team and young leaders to run two summer programmes: a five-week sports camp with Aberfeldy Big Local and Bromley by Bow Centre, and a four-week HAF Summer Youth Zone in partnership with Gateway Housing.
Ceejay has also worked hard over the past year to prioritise inclusivity and support for underserved groups. Under Future Kidz Development’s Community Plus division, he has developed and delivered innovative programmes for individuals with SEND, offering activities including parachute games, boccia, and new age kurling in a fun and inclusive environment.
He has also addressed gaps in competitive sports for SEND schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), and alternative provisions, including organising two major sporting events in a voluntary capacity: a football tournament in June and a dodgeball tournament in November. These events provided more than 90 aspiring footballers and 120 dodgeball players with opportunities to compete, develop skills, and build confidence. These initiatives have garnered support from key organisations including the West Ham Foundation, which provided coaches as referees, and Better Gym in Newham, which offered their indoor sport hall and outdoor astroturf facilities for free. With partnerships such as these continuing to grow stronger, Ceejay is keen to expand competitive provisions for this targeted audience in 2025.
Ceejay is also a well-respected mentor and guide for both young people and his team. Under his leadership, Future Kidz Development has cultivated a youth-led ethos, empowering young leaders who credit Ceejay’s guidance for helping them step into leadership roles within schools and the community. He also oversees FkD’s NexGen Committee, a youth council comprising 6-8 young leaders who have action-planned and budgeted their own community initiatives, applying for three £2,000 grants. As part of the process, they will pitch their projects to local residents, gaining valuable public speaking and decision-making skills.
2024 also saw Ceejay enhance his skills by participating in StreetGames’ Race for Investment program, focusing on bid writing and fundraising to ensure the sustainability of Future Kidz Development. His efforts lay the groundwork for an exciting 2025 for the organisation, with expanded services, strengthened partnerships, and new opportunities for young leaders, staff, and service users.
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
