A local youth project is starting to benefit from funding received from Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP). The Foundation of Light’s ‘Mini Kickers’ and ‘Kicks’
initiatives, which support young people living in the GAMP area, have recently benefitted from a small grant received from the GAMP Capital Small Grants Fund. The ‘Mini Kickers’ youth provision is delivered on a Friday evening at the Western Area Community Centre and is aimed at 8-12 year olds. The programme provides a mixture of multi-sports and life skills. The ‘Kicks’ project builds on the work of ‘Mini Kickers’, but is adapted for 13-19 year olds and is delivered at Greenfield Community College on a Monday evening. Thanks to GAMP funding the young people who participate in both projects will now have access to tablets to help them with their individual learning plans. The tablets will also be used to help with sport coaching sessions. Michael Colclough, Operations Manager (South) for the Foundation of Light said: “I would like to thank GAMP AAP for funding the tablets. Many young people and their families can now benefit from the use of technology in education and coaching sessions. “The tablets will also be very useful in engaging the youngsters and helping them express themselves fully so that they can get the most out of the ‘Mini Kickers’ and ‘Kicks’ sessions.” The Capital Small Grants Fund allowed local community groups to apply for grants between £500 and £4,000 after GAMP allocated £20,000 of its Area Budget towards the initiative. Other groups who have also benefitted from the grants were: St Elizabeth’s Church, Sedgefield Water Polo Club, Woodham Village Community Association, Great Aycliffe Village Hall Association, North East Autism Society and Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre. As a result of its success, the Capital Small Grants Fund is no longer taking applications. For more information on The Foundation of Light’s ‘Mini Kickers’ and ‘Kicks’ programmes contact Michael Colclough at: michael. colclough@foundationoflight. co.uk
