December 2010

Derby Team 116 - clearing the boundaries

December saw the culmination of a successful 12 weeks for 11 young people in Derby and the resumption of a partnership with Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

In September, The Prince’s Trust Team programme returned to the Derbyshire Falcons County Ground where the club kindly provided a venue for Derby College to deliver The Trust’s 12 week Team programme.

The group of local young people were all aged between 16 and 25 and came on the programme to develop their confidence and motivation with the aim of getting into further education or training. Lead by Team Leader Jama Doobeh they completed an outward bound activity week, worked together to deliver a community project, undertook individual work placements and got help planning for the future.

Derbyshire CCC Chief Executive and Sales & Marketing Executive Nathan Fearn gave the Team great support and as well as providing a team room overlooking the outfield they ensured a raffle prize, a work placement for one of the Team and a venue for the end of course celebration event.

During the programme, Team 116 raised £805.00 and put that to good use doing up the garden at the St James Centre. Each member of the Team had different job roles to fulfil to complete the project and they turned the garden into a nice, safe, colourful area for the children at the crèche to enjoy.

As the course came to an end some of Team 116 reflected on their experiences with their Team Leader, Jama:

Cherene - “Jama I just wanted to say thank you for everything. You have made a difference in the way I think about life. I will try and become something. Even if it’s not the best of jobs I am always going to know that you put me there. Thank you so much”

Jamie -

I want to say thanks for everything you have done for me and the team. I want to wish you the best opportunities and thank you for this chance to be part of team 116.

Fraser - “It was a great honour to have you as our team leader and although we made it difficult for you at times, you still stood by us and said a lot of positive things that kept us enthusiastic and determined. It’s been a great 12 weeks and I feel I have achieved many great things from being on the course. All the best to you and Graham, I hope that other teams can see just what a great team leader you are. Many thanks”.

Jamie Roberts from The Prince’s Trust said “I would like to thank Keith and Nathan for all the support that the Derbyshire Falcons has given to Jama and Team 116. It is great for us to be back at the County Ground and the club has made a big contribution to the success of this team. I hope each member of the Team goes on to achieve the success that their hard work deserves.”

Derby College will deliver a new Team programme at the County Ground in early 2011.