West Midlands Police are funding an initiative to take young people from the region’s most disadvantaged areas to the Snow Dome in Tamworth to learn skiing and snowboarding.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson made the announcement this week as part of an ongoing drive to deter youngsters in Birmingham from turning to crime.
The project, run in conjunction with the charity Snow-Camp, will target 13 to 21-year-olds in some of Birmingham's poorest areas. As well as participating on the slopes, the young people will spend equal time in the classroom, taking part in life-skill sessions focusing on independence, responsibility, confidence and self-esteem.
Commissioner Jamieson said: “Engaging young people in sports and keeping them off the streets has been proven to reduce violence on many occasions.
“The activities on offer will help build confidence, life skills and keep youngsters on a positive path.”
Snow-Camp programmes offer young people a chance to gain an accredited qualification, such as Snow Sport England Snow Life Award, ASDAN Sports and Fitness certificate and a Snowsport England Level 1 Instructor Qualification.
Chris Walsh, Snow-Camp Midlands Programme Manager, said: “Our programmes require initiative, individuality and courage and therein lies the attraction and challenge providing a much-needed complimentary service to youth service providers and youth clubs, giving young people positive opportunities can turn their lives around.”
To find out more, visit the Snow-Camp page on the ConnectSport directory. To add your organisation for FREE, contact [email protected].
Pic credit: Birmingham Live.