Story: Jake Gamban
Burngreave Youth Development Centre was set up in January on Spital Hill and is aiming to provide activities for young people between the age of 8 and 18.
The newly-formed centre has made huge progress since its inception and provides young people with a safe environment away from the danger of the streets. Ahmed Abtidon, the manager of the development centre, said,
“The important thing is to get youngsters off the streets and give them something to do.”
The centre has already gained equipment that enables young people to play table football, pool and watch TV. Ahmed went on to say,
“We are now working on an internet policy that will hopefully enable us to acquire several computers with internet access. We also have live premier league football.”
These additions have all been made possible due to funding from both the City Council and the Police, who both share an aim with Ahmed to unite young people in Burngreave and surrounding areas. The youth centre manager added,
“Recently Burngreave has been a very difficult place for young people to live: there have been shootings and stabbings. My aim is to bring young people from different cultures together.”
The centre’s next main event will be on the 25th September at 2.30pm.
“It’s about raising awareness amongst young people and parents. There will be three presentations, one on the topic of gun and knife crime. The young people will have a chance to discuss the issues raised.”
The centre also runs two football teams that play at Ellesmere.
“We’re hoping to take the teams to cities such as Birmingham and Manchester and play other ethnic minority teams. I think it is good for youngsters to see other cities and meet different people and hopefully we will forge links with them.”
The Development Centre, which has child protection policies in place, is open from 11am – 10pm daily and is situated at 68A Spital Hill, next to the Plaza up an open stairway. It is free to enter and refreshments are available from a snack bar at low prices. So, if you’re bored and want somewhere to chill out with friends, then why not give it a try?
If you would like to find out more, contact Ahmed on 07950 519 801
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