From 2007 the first Positive Futures programme outside of the UK has been established in the Eerster River community in the Western Cape. Initially funded from the UK as part of a sporting protocol established through UK Sport, the project was developed in partnership with Active Communities Network and Cricket For Change in the UK, and with Lifeline / Childline and Western Province Cricket Club in the Western Cape, to deliver a community based cricket programme coupled with life skills and drug education projects for young people aged 11-18 years.
Project Progress
To date the programme engages with over one hundred young people in its after school, evening and weekend programmes, delivering an urban Street 20 (Tapeball Cricket) programme in both school facilities and a community setting. Street 20 is a stripped down version of the twenty20 game, using minimal kit and adapted rules to make the game suitable to any ability or playing environment. Players are coached and given competitive opportunities locally, and through Western Province Cricket Club are given opportunities to participate and receive coaching in more formal versions of the sport. Within this environment participants also receive support in gaining leadership skills, drug education, academic learning and progression routes into mainstream sports or educational opportunities.
The project also works with 50 ‘at risk’ young people, referred to the project from schools, police and other agencies, with drug and alcohol issues, gang affiliations or behavioural issues. These participants also participate in cricket activities, coupled with an intensive support programme including counselling, behaviour workshops, alcohol / drug awareness projects and life skills. These participants are supported back into mainstream education and sports participation by the project worker.
Throughout this programme Cricket remains the primary driver for young people’s participation on a year round basis (though other sports are delivered occasionally to break up the sports element of the project), drawing on the unique appeal of the sport across all communities in South Africa.
The project was officially launched in September 2007 by Jacques Kallis (South Africa international cricketer) and Paul Boateng (UK Commissioner to South Africa).
For more information please visit www.lifelinewc.org.za
