The NW Area Youth Club has been running for over 45 years! Currently we meet every Friday between 7.00pm to 11.00pm for youth of all ages and many adults to play KhoKho, Football, Benchball, Dodgeball, Basketball, Squash, Yoga, Zumba and many other activities. The Youth Club is run entirely by volunteers
It is fair to say that none of us could have predicted the past 24 months plus. The impact of loss of loved ones to those who have faced time isolated from family and friends. It has been a time of great challenge and sadness for many, but amongst the difficulties we have seen immense acts of kindness and generosity, as well as a spirit of optimism and resilience.
We believe our ReActive8 and Table Tennis members and volunteers have shown that optimism and resilience as most of our members/volunteers returned to pre Covid-19 numbers. They showed vigour/energy and ready to reconnect with their friends and to participate in the activities they enjoy. .
Members attendance has been consistence across the range of activities that are provided. The activities include the following for youth – football, bench ball, dodgeball, circuit training, Kho Kho, basketball, netball, table tennis etc and for older members we provide Zumba/ Yoga and Squash;
We are pleased to report that some of our former basketball players (who went onto university and to pursue professional careers) have returned to coach basketball to our youth;
We are in the process of registering OAUK with Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme where we aim to become Approved Activity Provider.
One of the most popular sports played at Youth Club is KhoKho. Eight of our youth members were chosen to take part by The KhoKho Federation or UK in the KhoKho Exhibition Match at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This was a splendid opportunity for youngsters some of whom are already past National Champions.
And finally with our annual tradition, we held our end of year Reactive8 party on 3rd July where we extended the invite to our colleagues / members from the Enabling Network Team (ENT) and Gujarati School to make the invite an all-inclusive for all participants. The feedback from parents was fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the party, and they were very impressed with the level of care and curtesy extended by all our volunteers. To that extent below I share feedback from our ENT.
Below is some feedback we received from attendees of the Party:
To: OAUK North West Reactive8 <reactive8-nw@oshwal.org
‘Good morning.
I do apologise for the delay in getting this feedback to you for the sports day/summer party that you kindly invited Enabling Network to on Sunday 3 July.
On Sunday 3 July, Enabling Network members attended the OAUK North West Reactive8 End of year party held at Broadfields Primary School in Edgware.
It was a glorious sunny summer’s day and about 8 of our members plus 4 committee members attended.
Prior to the event, the Reactive8 team made sure that there was communication and interaction between ourselves to make it an inclusive event. Whilst we were there to support, we have to say, the Reactive8 team integrated our members as much as possible without us having to do too much.
On the day, the food was great, every one made an effort to mingle with us – we were easily identified with our orange shirts of course.
The activities were made as inclusive as possible and separate activities were organised for those that were physically unable to join in with the mainstream activities. These were run by our committee members and as well as our EN members, a few mums joined in. It was a thoroughly enjoyed by all and feedback from the mums that took part was that it was so much fun and also that it made them more aware of how hard it must be if you have a disability.
The members that joined in the mainstream activities also had a great time, felt a part of the community, being included. It was also great that the Reactive8 team made sure they were taken care off and we as EN did not need to do much. ‘
Smita Shah
Feedback from Enabling Network Members:
‘Really had an enjoyable day today.
“Thank you everyone for a wonderful day. Food was very nice and plentiful. All volunteers worked very hard to make the day enjoyable. Weather was lovely”
“It really was a fun filled day – fully of activities with lots of food. Harshi really enjoyed it, and our young people were integrated and included in the activities. In addition to us feeling that our young people are included, I also think it was good for the others in a mainstream setting to see what our young people can do with a little bit more support and patience. “
“I really enjoyed participating in all the games as well as making new friends”
“What more can I say when we were invited to a good event, with good food, good company and making plenty of new friends along the way”
“Juhi says she really enjoyed playing the different games such as jumping on the cardboard and the coke cans with the straws. Also meeting many people, she hadn’t seen in a while, plus the food was delicious especially the pizzas and corn on the cob. “
Vaishali said “Sunday we had an amazing day with lots of fun and great activities to play.”
In conclusion, The reactive8 team demonstrated inclusion and adapted activities so that our members were able to join in the fun. Look forward to many more inclusive and integrated activities in all areas of OAUK – NW have shown that it is absolutely possible.’
Enabling Network Team
Should you wish to enrol in our NW Area Youth Club please email reactive8-nw@oshwal.org
Dhanesh Shah
