This week, EFL clubs are highlighting their impact in the community during their annual Week of Action, and Norwich City will take the chance to showcase the work of our own Community Sports Foundation.
Each day, we will shine a light on the Foundation and one of its programmes, today showcasing Onside, a programme that supports young people between the ages of eight and 16.
Onside
The Foundation’s Onside programme works holistically with the council to support young people between the ages of eight and 16 experiencing a range of difficulties to help them get back ‘onside’. Using the power of sport, the programme aims to break the cycle of poor behaviour, youth crime and school exclusions and helps to boost both their physical and mental health, supporting them back onto the right track before they reach their important teen years.
Onside has been pivotal for young participant Jack in building his confidence and helping him reintegrate back into social settings after dealing with bullying at school and difficulties at home. When Jack was introduced to Scott, our Onside Youth Worker, he was not in school and had very few friends.
Over the last few months, Scott has used football as a tool to engage Jack and to help rebuild his self-esteem and resilience. Jack is now described as a “completely different person”, who initiates conversation, openly discusses his thoughts and feelings, and has been brave enough to meet a group of friends to socialise within his local community having recently moved house.
Onside is a Premier League-funded programme.
Jack is one of the participants in the Onside programme. Watch his journey below.