We’re delighted that the Saturday Night project, funded by Islington Giving as part of our commitment to investing in
Saturday Night Project at Sobell Leisure Centre
young people, has been featured in today’s Evening Standard as an innovative example of support for young people.
Journalists spoke to parents and young people involved in the project.Justin Hitchman, 21, a coach at charity Access to Sports, said: “This is like their Match of the Day. They can look forward to it at the weekend and it keeps them off the streets. When my friends were bored they got into strife – if I had something like this when I was growing up lots of my friends wouldn’t be in the situation they are now. I am probably one of the only ones who hasn’t spent time in prison.”
Liz Kelly, whose son Curtis was at the first event, said: “The devil makes work for idle hands, so put a basketball in them.” Curtis, 12, added: “It’s good because there are lots of people there who are my friends, otherwise I’d just be sitting at home watching TV or playing on the computer.”
Stephanie Olivira, 13, added: “I was quite nervous the first time but I saw it was all about meeting people and sports. It stops people from being on the streets and it keeps them busy.”
Cripplegate Foundation Director Kristina Glenn said: “We are trying to reach the invisible Islington. Saturday night is the key time. I’ve never understood why projects for young people close at weekends.”
You can find out more about the Saturday Night Project and Islington Giving’s programme to invest in young people here and read the full Evening Standard article here
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