News | SUNEE STREET LEAGUE CLIENTS
Street League is a charity which was set up in 2001 with the aim of transforming the lives of disadvantaged people through the power of sport.
SUNEE developed and introduced the program in the North East, taking over from previous initiatives such as the DIP Program and Second Chance.
The ethos of Street League is ‘more than a game’ and for the participants and coaches involved in the
SUNEE StreetLeague in the North East, these words certainly ring true.
Every Monday and Friday men and women, with varying levels of fitness, pile into University of Sunderland’s Cityspace for the latest sessions of multi sport activity (Monday) and football (Friday).
You would think that these guys have been friends for years as they get ready for kick off, trading jibes with each other, laughing and joking just like any other team would do.
For many this social interaction is one of the main benefits of the program; the chance to meet people, make friends and do something they enjoy. As Louis Thornton explains: “The guys here are really nice and we have good banter. It gets a bit competitive at times but you’ve got to expect that haven’t you”
Louis is 17 and has been attending
SUNEE StreetLeague for the last six months. Before that, Louis, by his own admission, was heading off in the wrong direction before being recommended to join SUNEE Street League by a friend.
“I knew some of the lads that were here and they suggested I should come down and give it a go. I haven’t looked back really. I love football but just by coming here I feel that I’m more confident as a person and a bit more self assured.”
Confidence and improving social skills are a big factor to the clients. George Sutton, 23, was referred to the program by a drug and alcohol abuse service and has been attending sessions for over three years. George says: “I was pretty miserable. I’ve got learning difficulties but the coaches here are first class. They have allowed me to stay on the program for as long as I need to.”
What is apparent from the participants is that none of them feel sorry for themselves. They are just delighted for the opportunity and a chance to change their life for the better.
Darren, 44, is one of the program’s elder statesmen and has been part of the program for almost two years. His nickname is ‘troll’ because he spent seven months living under a bridge. This not only shows the depths of despair that many of the clients have reached but is also an example of the camaraderie that exists amongst the group.
Darren says: “Before I got involved I was with the Salvation Army. I was just sitting in my room, watching TV, doing nothing. I was a complete recluse.”
“Someone at the shelter mentioned the program but it took a lot of effort for me to come down. It took me a few weeks to get used to it but it felt great to be doing something and taking part. I’ve never stopped coming back and I really enjoy it.”
“I suffer from depression and low self esteem but I look forward to our sessions on Monday and Friday. Normally, I don’t go anywhere myself but I’ve noticed a real change in me. I get out and about a bit more. I got out of the shelter and I have my own cottage now.”
Darren is also benefitting from a number of courses on offer through
SUNEE StreetLeague. He is currently working towards the FA Level 1 Coaching badge and a life savers badge with the RLSA.
Tom 28, is another participant whose story is equally as unfortunate. Tom was a promising football player and was on the books of
Notts County FCand Hull City FC. But Tom got involved with drugs and as his addiction took over his life spiralled out of control.
Tom says: “I was a mess and hit rock bottom. I just shut down completely. I really needed help and I ended up in rehab for seven months.”
Once out of rehab, Tom was determined to start afresh but didn’t have the confidence to take the necessary steps. He says: “I used to come down and just use the gym. Football was a really sore subject for me. I really believe that I could have made it as a professional footballer but I threw it all away.”
“I was a bit dubious at first but I plucked up the courage to join in and I’ve fallen in love with the game again.”
“SUNEE Street League has helped me immensely. If anyone is out there with problems I’d advise them to come along and get involved. Being active and meeting new people, it’s all helped me to rebuild my life.”
The diversity of the participants is something which the coaches respect and help is always available.
Stephen Dale is a University student volunteer on the program. He is doing a coaching degree and
SUNEE StreetLeague allows him to put into practice what he has learned.
He says: “I’m passionate about coaching. The enthusiasm of the guys helps me to become a better coach and I have been able to build up a rapport with them.”
“A lot of guys come to us at a low ebb but we help them and build relations with them. Some of the transformations in character and personality have been incredible.”
“SUNEE Street League is so much more than football. It’s a form of counselling as well. We listen to their problems and we offer support and advice as best we can.”
“Everyone is benefitting from the program. The guys involved are becoming more sociable and confident and from a coaching perspective I can hone my skills and develop my coaching technique whilst giving something back to the lads.”
The respect for the coaches and volunteers from the clients is clear for all to see. As Matty Lyons, explains: “The guys soon realise we do what we do for their own good. We don’t tolerate ill discipline.”
Matty has seen the program change over the years from DIP, to Second Chance and now blossoming in its current form as
SUNEE StreetLeague. Matty says: “My job is to get these guys into a better place and out of their current mindset.”
“After the program, if I never see them again, that’s my greatest achievement because I know that they’ve changed and taken advantage of the immense opportunities that are available to them.”
“But the help and support is there for anyone who needs it. The input from all coaches and volunteers is vital. We are developing a really good family atmosphere here but it’s a complete team effort from everybody involved; coaches, volunteers and the clients themselves.”
“Street League is desperately needed – drugs and crime will never disappear. But we regularly get between 20-30 clients, twice a week, who all make the effort coming from all over the region.”
“That means there’s 20-30 people off the street; being looked after, doing something active and doing something that benefits them and can improve their lives in so many ways.”
SUNEE Street League is indeed more than a game. It’s about hard-work, dedication, discipline and belief. But it works, and the benefits are there for all to see.
Article written by David Peddie, SUNEE Journalism Scholar at University of Sunderland
news & events
MULTI-SPORT EVENT
TONY BLAIR MEETS SUNEE STREET LEAGUE
