A concerned mother messaged me concerned that her son had joined a gang and has been trying all she can to dissuade him. This was my 4th such call this month. So we decided to document this conversation to speak with the youths to see what it is they’re going through and what options we can provide. This is with mums permission of course. So going forward we will be organising a forum and phone number parents can contact to seek help and organise preventative measures and opportunities that are our there for the young people
Hackney Wick FC have recently teamed up with the North East London Cancer Alliance to spread awareness of their ‘It’s Not A Game’ campaign. The campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also to address some of the inequalities with the participation in cancer screening services and encourage presentations to GPs with concerning symptoms and improve health outcomes.
Prostate is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK. Prostate Cancer accounted for 26% of cancers diagnosed in men in 2017. Incidence of prostate cancer has increased over the last 30 years and is expected to increase by a further 12% by 2035. It is most common in Black men, followed by White men.
Using sport as an aid, It’s Not A Game helps to raise awareness of this and other Cancers (Bowel, Lung and Stomach) and is aimed predominantly at White and Black men from areas of north east London where screening uptake is low.
You may soon start to see materials that have been developed and themed around sport and featuring middle-aged and older men, to resonate with the target demographic. The campaign is not just football focused, it includes other sports like Snooker, Rugby and Darts, to widen the awareness. If you see these materials and have symptoms, see your GP and when you receive a screening kit, do the test!
We have started running drama classes for the local community every Wednesday , where participants take pare in acting classes, improvisation, filming, editing and more to better enhance their skills in hope of pursuing a career in film.
We have over 40 people who have applied and they are now working towards creating 12 short films based on real events in London. This is just another way we hope to create new opportunities for our service users. Below was a casting event we held for the potential new cast.
We have teamed up with local bike hero Temi Lateef who runs My Choice organisation to provide up to 12 bikes for the local community of the Northwold Estate. The bike are for all ages and will be stored at the community centre and can be rented out free of charge by the locals and residents. We hope this encourages more exercise and healthy lifestyle within the area
London witnessed an extraordinary display of community spirit and youthful talent as the 32 Boro Cup unfolded over the weekend of Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23. Hosted by Teesside University Campus in Stratford, the event showcased the vibrant diversity and football passion of the city's boroughs.
The event kicked off on Saturday with a day dedicated to career workshops. The highlight was the participation of various organizations, including Wingstop, whose co-founder Herman Sahota engaged with the children, offering invaluable insights and motivation. Other esteemed guest speakers included Teddy Powell from Drop 3, Ryan Baily from Burnley FC, and Nathan Nicholas from Macro. These industry leaders shared their experiences and provided guidance, inspiring the young attendees to dream big and pursue their passions both on and off the pitch.
Kathryn Elliot, the Head of Partnership at Teesside University, played a crucial role in organizing and hosting the workshops, ensuring that the day was both informative and inspiring for all participants.
Sunday dawned with beautiful summer weather as 32 teams descended upon the Marshes, ready for a day of intense football competition. The atmosphere was electric, with dozens of scouts from across the country in attendance, eager to spot the next big talent.
The tournament progressed with thrilling matches, culminating in a highly anticipated final between Richmond and Barking. This final was particularly noteworthy as it guaranteed, for the first time since the tournament's inception, that a team not representing North London would claim the title. In a captivating match, Barking and Dagenham emerged victorious, bringing the trophy to East London.
Among the many highlights of the day was the remarkable achievement of the youngest player in the tournament, who caught the eye of scouts from a Category 1 team. This young talent's journey from local play to potential professional opportunities encapsulates the spirit and purpose of the 32 Boro Cup.
The 32 Boro Cup 2024 was more than just a football tournament; it was a celebration of community, diversity, and the boundless potential of young athletes. Through career workshops and competitive matches, the event succeeded in fostering a sense of unity and providing opportunities for the youth of London.
As the final whistle blew and the celebrations began, the legacy of the 32 Boro Cup was firmly cemented. The event not only crowned new champions but also inspired countless young players to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field.
Both Farel and Ashley who were with our under 12s and signed to Stevenage have been offered two more years at Stevenage which will take them to Under !4s. This is an amazing achievement for the duo. Think Outside The Blox will continue to support the boys by taking them to training and matches as well as extra 1-2-1 sessions with Hackney Wick FC Coaches
Think Outside The Blox partnered with The FA to cast some of our members tor the official squad reveal of the England squad participating at The Euros. The campaign went live a week before the competition started. and features 3 of our members and highlights another of the opportunities we provide and how we THINK OUTSIDE THE BLOX
Join us at our next fundraising event to support our cause and help us make a difference in the lives of those we serve. From charity auctions to benefit concerts, there is something for everyone.