Football father-son duo Jamie and Harry Redknapp were in Battersea to deliver the opening to the Big Play Out event, which aims to expand opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
The event, which began last Monday (July 29), gives training and mentorship to aspiring young footballers as part of Battersea Summer Scheme’s many youth-outreach ventures.
Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea, praised the organisers for expanding opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
She said: “We are fortunate to have a wonderful community infrastructure in Battersea with organisations like the Crime Prevention Panel.
“Programmes like the Summer Scheme provide opportunities for young people to gain new experiences and learn skills.
“They’re vital to reducing youth violence and inspire young people to reach their true potential.”
Marsha de Cordova mentioned significant problems with youth crime as being emblematic of a broader national problem in a parliamentary debate last year, and which continues today.
After helping open the event, Harry Redknapp expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
He said: “Football has the power to bring people together and create positive change, and it’s an honour to be part of this initiative.
“I hope today’s session inspires them to follow their dreams both on and off the pitch.”
Children were selected from local youth clubs for the event, which took place at Evolution London.
They took part in a thorough and professional training session, and as a gift, each child was presented with a pair of Skechers training boots, the same model used by Harry Kane at Euro 2024.
‘Big Play Out’ and the rest of Battersea Summer Scheme is organised by the Battersea Crime Prevention Panel (BCCP), set up to deter youth from crime.
The BBCP works closely with Wandsworth Borough Council, local youth groups, and youth offending teams.
The event gets most of its funding from the local property developer Rockwell, with some additional funding from the global football brand Skechers.
All parties involved are very positive about the impact of the scheme on the community.
Featured image credit: Rockwell Communication Group
