WHAT'S NEW?

Title: A Vibrant New Hub for Community Empowerment Unveiled in Clapton, East London

In an exciting development for the Northwold Estate community in Clapton, East London, Think Outside The Blox proudly opened the doors to its new community center, signaling a dynamic leap toward empowering and engaging residents of all ages. The vibrant space, located in the heart of the Northwold Estate, aims to become a bustling hub of activity, offering a diverse range of services for both young people and adults.

Diverse Services for All Ages:The community center is set to be a hive of activity, with a plethora of services tailored to meet the varying needs and interests of the community. From a dedicated homework club to help young minds thrive academically, to boxing sessions fostering discipline and fitness, and chess and coding classes encouraging strategic thinking and technological literacy – the center is designed to be a holistic resource for personal and skill development.

Addressing Youth Engagement:A primary focus of the center is to provide a safe and engaging space for young people, offering alternatives to street activities. By curating a diverse range of programs, Think Outside The Blox aims to keep the youth active, stimulated, and connected, contributing positively to their personal growth and community cohesion.

Welcoming Community Figures:The opening day of the community center was a momentous occasion, attended by esteemed community activists Faron Paul and Raspect. Their presence not only affirmed the importance of the initiative but also added an extra layer of community endorsement. Both activists expressed their support for the center, recognizing its potential as a transformative force within the community.

A Space for All Ages:Beyond youth-focused activities, the community center extends its services to older residents. Fitness classes and wellness programs are designed to provide a space where older community members can stay active, socialize, and contribute to a vibrant, intergenerational atmosphere.

Future Vision:With the seal of approval from community activists and a diverse array of services on offer, the Northwold Estate community center aspires to become a thriving cornerstone of community life. Think Outside The Blox envisions a future where the center is not just a physical space but a symbol of community empowerment, fostering unity, skill-building, and overall well-being.

As the center embarks on its journey, the community eagerly anticipates the vibrant buzz of activity it will bring to Northwold Estate, shaping a brighter and more connected future for all residents. The doors are open, and the invitation is extended to all – let the community empowerment begin!

We took a group of our u15s to both Cambridge and Ipswich over the Eater Holidays at the request of their head o.  recruitments. The bpys were assessed as part of a for team tournament with 2 Hackney Wick players being invited back to Ipswich on the 29th April.

Think Outside The Blox and Hackney Wick have now partnered with many acaemdies to highlight the best players the club has as a pathway to yhe professional ranks.

This has already seen a few of our young people signed to academies.

Over the two-week Easter holiday, our schedule was packed with a variety of engaging activities. We kicked off each day with a burst of energy at the football camp, where skills were refined and teamwork flourished. Amidst the excitement, we took a break to enjoy a thrilling trip to the cinema, immersing ourselves in the latest blockbusters. Connecting with nature, we embarked on refreshing nature walks, appreciating the beauty of the outdoors. Our creative side came alive during the music workshop, where we explored rhythms and melodies. For a dose of friendly competition, we hit the bowling alley, aiming for strikes and spares. Additionally, we ventured to Scotland for two of our young players to participate in matches against Aberdeen and Dundee United, adding a thrilling dimension to our holiday. Finally, we let our imaginations soar during arts and crafts sessions, transforming simple materials into works of art. Overall, it was a dynamic and enriching holiday filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

In a visionary move aimed at enhancing community engagement and holistic development, Think Outside the Blox (TOB) is set to establish its very own community center, serving as a dynamic hub for diverse projects benefiting individuals of all generations. This forward-thinking initiative seeks to create a multifaceted space where residents can access a wide array of activities, ranging from fitness classes to employability skills workshops, all under one roof.

The heart of TOB's community center lies in its commitment to inclusivity, catering to the needs and interests of both the young and the elderly. The center's fitness classes will not only promote physical well-being but also encourage a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement among participants. Recognizing the importance of intergenerational connections, TOB plans to implement unique programs, such as bike riding classes, that facilitate meaningful interactions between different age groups, fostering a sense of community unity.

Furthermore, the community center aims to be a cultural and educational haven with the introduction of cinema clubs and workshops. The cinema clubs will provide a platform for film enthusiasts to come together, share their passion, and enjoy curated screenings that reflect the diverse tastes of the community. Workshops, ranging from art and music to practical employability skills, will empower individuals with valuable knowledge and tools, contributing to personal growth and community enrichment.

TOB's commitment to fostering employability skills is particularly noteworthy. By offering targeted workshops and training sessions, the community center aims to equip individuals, especially the youth, with the tools necessary for career advancement. This initiative aligns with TOB's overarching mission to empower local residents, creating a positive ripple effect that contributes to the overall prosperity of the community.

The establishment of Think Outside the Blox's community center signifies more than just a physical space; it represents a commitment to creating a vibrant and interconnected community. By offering a diverse range of projects and activities, TOB strives to foster an environment where individuals of all ages can thrive, learn, and contribute to the collective growth of their community. As TOB's vision unfolds, the community center is poised to become a beacon of unity, empowerment, and positive transformation for generations to come.

Think Outside The Blox provided an opportunity for 10 girls to attend a taster day with the Riding A Dream Academy on the 23rd of October 2023 which was held at the British Racing School in Newmarket, Suffolk. The day was designed to provide a unique learning experience where students were given the chance to learn about looking after horses and ponies, take part in a riding lesson and find out about the different career options within British horseracing. Through the day, the students were able to develop their confidence, resilience and overall engagement, and benefit their overall learning.

WE HELD OUR ANNUAL CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH TO RAISE AWARENESS OF YOUTH VIOLENCE WHILST ALSO REMEMBERING FRIENDS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES.  WE HAD YOUNG PEOPLE VOLUNTEERING IN THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO THE EVENT AND PROVIDED OUR GANGS AND PEER PRESSURE WORKSHOPS

In accordance with our partnership with Loughborough University, our member Trixie was given a placement at their main campus to gain some valuable experience as she finishes her masters in physiotherapy.  The initiative will hep Trixie carry out her duties with Hackney Wick FC more efficiently

As part of our endeavours to keep young people safe and provide them with opportunities, we teamed up with London Fire Solutions who were the match day sponsors of Hackney Wick FC, 5 of our players were given a permanent job with the company.

This is in line with our ethos of partnering up with all our stakeholders to ensure employment opportunities are available to our Community 

The collaboration brings together the three leading institutions to create a new football academy offering quality education and guidance to Hackney Wick’s emerging talented footballers.

As part of the agreement, members of the academy will have the opportunity to enrol onto Loughborough College’s BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, delivered from Loughborough University London, on the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Founded over seven years ago by Bobby Kasanga, Hackney Wick is one of the most recognised community clubs in world football and provides opportunities and empowerment that extend far beyond sport. Through multiple community impact projects, Hackney Wick are renowned for the positive effect they have on their local area.

The club works with over 150 players on a weekly basis, with qualified coaches delivering enhanced training sessions to better the players’ prospects. Hackney Wick takes pride in supporting others, especially those from more marginalised communities.

The partnership will also see Hackney Wick Academy regularly attend the University’s East Midlands campus for training camps and matches.

Jo Simpson, Commercial and Facilities Director for Loughborough Sport said: “I am immensely proud to launch this new partnership with Hackney Wick FC. It showcases the power of sport to change lives and build stronger and more vibrant communities. 

“When I first met the team behind Hackney Wick, I was inspired by their story and the positive impact they have had on their community. This new Academy brings together the best of Hackney Wick and Loughborough Sport, allowing their players to develop as dual career athletes with dedicated education support and access to opportunities across the sporting world.   

“I am very excited to see the first cohort benefit from this new pathway as they join the academy programme later this year.”

Bobby Kasanga, founder of Hackney Wick commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with Loughborough University and Loughborough College to create this ground-breaking new academy. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to be associated with this programme. The pathways and outcomes are endless and we can’t wait to open the doors to the Hackney Wick FC Academy.”