Undateables star launches sports mentor project
UNDATEABLES star Tom Morgan from Bridgend has set up a social enterprise with family members called Mentoring Plus UK which aims to help mentor young people through sport.
Tom appeared on Channel 4’s The Undateables earlier this year and he’s about to film a follow up with Channel 4 in December.
Tom is on the autistic spectrum, has asperger’s syndrome, Tourette’s and ADHD.
A rugby player, Tom has used sport as a driving force to help him in life and he’s always had the idea to set up an organisation to help and mentor youngsters with sport as the main vehicle. As a notfor-profit organisation, Mentoring Plus UK aims to help children and young people who have an interest in any sport but have barriers in their way.
Through sport programmes, initiatives and grants, MPUK mentors youngsters to help make a positive impact on their future.
With the help of Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO), Tom and his family have now set up the company officially and have a board of directors.
Bridge FM DJ Lee Jukes is the chairman, Tom’s mum Elaine is the secretary and treasurer.
Lee said they plan to start their work in the new year. He said: “We will set up training programmes with local schools and clubs aimed to give children who have an interest in sport a chance to have a go and get inspired.
“Strand two will be initiatives. Our first initiative will be a sport kit recycling initiative. We will give people the chance to recycle equipment that might be of use to other people and clubs.
“Strand three will be grants. We aim to set up a sub-committee who will give individuals, schools and clubs the chance to apply for grants for equip- ment and training. Our work will initially be centralised in Bridgend county borough. We have plans to grow across Wales and the UK.”
Tom said: “I’ve always wanted to help youngsters who have barriers in their way. MPUK will mentor youngsters to help make a positive impact on their future.”
MPUK’s first fundraiser is on Sunday at Sainsbury’s Bridgend where Tom and friends will be cycling the distance of Land’s End to John O’Groats in the foyer. MPUK ambassadors and rugby players Rhys Webb and Tom’s brother Matthew will also be present.