Issue 153

Student to launch youth club

26th February 2007

A Swansea University student, Ian Ross, is at the forefront of a group of local residents who have come together to launch a new youth club for Uplands and Brynmill at the Brynmill Community Centre.

Ross, 21, studying economics, said that, "we were concerned about youth anti-social behaviour in the area.

"Rather than complaining about youth anti-social behaviour we thought let's tackle the issue directly and provide a youth club for the youngsters in our area."

Aimed at 11-16 year olds, the youth club will hopefully address issues such as graffiti and underage drinking which has been a common problem in Uplands and Brynmill.

The group organizing the youth club have recognised that one of the main causes of youth anti-social behaviour is boredom.

At the end of January, the youth club was successful in securing funding from Dragon Sport, a Sport Council for Wales initiative.

This funding will enable the club to purchase athletics equipment and train the volunteers to deliver athletics sessions encouraging opportunities for young people to participate in good quality sport activities. There will also be a chill out zone, where teenagers will be able to listen to music as well as table tennis and pool tables.

Ross has also been contacting local businesses in an effort to attain financial assistance in purchasing record decks and table tennis equipment.

Ross said that, "Without any financial support it is extremely hard to make these purchases. This is a great opportunity for businesses to make a real difference in the local community.

"Building team work and communication skills in youngsters are essential skills for life. Listening to and interacting with young people allows them to feel part of the community in which they are part of and we hope to welcome many youngsters through our doors," said Ross.

Before Ross came to Swansea he was involved in a youth club in the suburbs of South London.

"The three years I was involved with this club I saw young people grow in confidence. Whilst the club was running, the local streets saw a marked decline in youth anti-social behaviour. Local residents were supportive and the club made a real difference to the quality of life in the local area," said Ross.

Ross believes that the Youth Club will enable young people to learn things through structured sessions, without even realising that there is a structure of learning in place.

Ross also plans to have a host of guest speakers including the local community Police Officer who will holding a talk about criminal activity.

The youth club will be launched on Sunday 18 March at Brynmill Community Centre at 7.30pm. There will be a two pounds one-off joining fee and a weekly admittance of fifty pence.

Jason Sannegadu