Football group nets share of £1m fund to help transform lives
A project that uses the power of football to help change lives in Renfrewshire has been given a share of a £1million fund to support young people.
Street League supports young people throughout the local authority and helps them get into education, training and employment.
The initiative runs its Transforming Lives project - which works with youngsters most at risk of future unemployment to give them positive tools for the future.
The training provided by the project supports employability and interview skills and learning for accredited qualifications through a mix of classroom and sport-based sessions.
Street League is funded by the Scottish Power Foundation and is one of nine organisations to be awarded a share of £1.1million from the foundation’s 2022 funding allocation to drive positive change across the country and give people and communities the chance to reach their full potential.
Throughout the years, the foundation has supported and championed projects across Britain which help advance education, environmental protection, the arts, culture, science and provide relief for those in need through poverty, disability or disadvantage.
The ScottishPower Foundation’s 2022 funding investment sees the charity hit the milestone of £10 million in funding grants it’s given out since it was established in 2013.
Street League was also one of 16 charities across the UK to benefit from almost £1.2million funding distributed by the ScottishPower Foundation last year.
Melanie Hill, executive officer and trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The wide variety of projects we’re able to support this year allows us to make a lasting impact on all aspects of people’s lives and crucially – in the current climate – helps charities continue the incredible work they do every day to help those who don’t have the same opportunities as others.
“It’s a privilege to support them and I can’t wait to see the changes this year’s projects will make for people and places across the UK.”
The Express previously told of the impact Street League has had on some Renfrewshire teens who have been taking part in the innovative programme, which has received support from Scotland international footballer Stephen O’Donnell
One Paisley teen who has taken part in the project told how it has helped him learn valuable skills for the future and helped him think about his career options.
Reece Connell, 18, from Blackhall, said: “My career adviser at school put me in touch with Street League and I thought why not as it gives me something to focus on and I do really enjoy learning with the sport.
“It’s made a huge difference as it gets me up and about and gives me a purpose and I’ve learnt lots on the employability course.
“It’s taught me social skills and a lot of things I can use in the workplace when I’m older.
“When I reach the end of the project, I want to get an apprenticeship and get into a trade.
“The Street League team is helping me find courses.
“The funding is so important as it gives young people a lot of opportunities.”
To find out more about Street League, please visit streetleague. co.uk
It’s a privilege to support them and I can’t wait to see the changes this year’s projects will make