Emdad Rahman
Newark Youth London has celebrated another great year by delivering a successful awards event at Mulberry School, East London.
Newark Youth London was formed in 1984 by a group of young people aged between 9-12 years. The group congregated at the old London Hospital Car Park in Newark Street (now the Centre of the Cell building) and played football thus – eventually deciding to call themselves Newark United FC. The organisation started as a loosely run football team, but it has now expanded with over 100 members.
The organisation now offers not only football but educational, social and recreational activities for young people. Volunteers work to develop the skills, capacities and capabilities of young people to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible citizens.
Tower Hamlets deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education & Children’s Services Councillor Rachel Saunders handed out awards to Newark Youth London volunteers. She said: “It’s lovely to see so many young smiling faces. Congratulations to all the award winners at Newark Youth London. Thanks for the chance to give out some prizes.”
There was a special mention for the Under-10 football team who are the current league and cup double winners. Two players from within the team have been invited to participate in Chelsea Football Club trials.
Elizabeth Haines from the Frank Haines Memorial Trust, which supports the work of Newark Youth London, said: “I am very proud to be associated with this organisation and I’m so proud to be here. Congratulations to everybody here today.”
Director of Football Kabir Miah said: “In terms of our academy we started with 8 kids and now we have about 130 registered young people. The great thing is the amazing response from parents. They attend training, matches and events. Their support is phenomenal. The Chair is saying we will need a bigger hall to accommodate everyone.”
Newark Youth London veteran Suroth Miah concluded: “This is absolutely the best club for young people. The coaches and managers you see here today are all products of the very same system. We have many people who have not only played football but forged very successful careers for themselves through involvement in our programmes. We feel very privileged that we are able to serve our community.”
•For more information, go to: www.newark.org.uk
[Adverts]