Inside the Dome, away from the inclement conditions, you will find two football teams battling it out in a friendly six-a-side game – one from AFC Bournemouth and the other from Saints Foundation’s Saints Connect project.
Inside the Dome, away from the inclement conditions, you will find two football teams battling it out in a friendly six-a-side game – one from AFC Bournemouth and the other from Saints Foundation’s Saints Connect project.
The project, aimed at 11-16-year-olds in the city, helps to refocus and re-engage them with education through one-to-one mentoring and targeted workshops.
Ryan Keating has been part of Saints Foundation’s work for three years. Now, as a Saints Connect participant, he remains dedicated to shaping his future, attending as many sessions as he can. And that includes a football session on 23rd December.
Asked about where that drive comes from, he answers: “I like meeting new people and making new friends. Saints Connect has given me this and this keeps me coming back.”
On the football pitch he is quick-minded, always looking to take on the defender as well as a keen eye for goal. But what has impressed staff is his progression off the field.
Talking about his improvements in recent years, the 15-year-old explained: “I have learnt a lot about leadership, patience and learning people’s different perspectives. The course has given me lots of opportunities.”
Saints Connect looks to develop young people for a future full of possibilities. So, where does Ryan sees his future heading?
He pauses before replying: “I’d love to try sports photography. I got a camera for my birthday and I want to see what I can do with it. But who knows? There are lots of possibilities.”
With the help of Saints Connect, Ryan has been able to find perspective as he continues his journey to excellence.
If you know someone who could benefit from this project, contact Billie Murphy via email at bmurphy@saintsfoundation.co.uk
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