A was a 14-year-old boy in Oldham who tended to be withdrawn and lacked confidence in social situations. While he didn't actively engage in risky behaviours, he spent a significant amount of his free time alone, and his parents were concerned about his lack of physical activity and limited interaction with peers. They were looking for opportunities that would encourage him to be more active, build his self-esteem, and provide a positive social outlet. Previous attempts at individual sports hadn't captured his interest.
Action 2 Inspire Oldham, an organisation dedicated to supporting the well-being of young people in the area, launched our "Wellness Warriors - A Unified Approach to Safety & Wellbeing" project. This initiative aimed to engage young people through physical activities like football and circuit training to improve their physical and mental health, build resilience, and foster positive social connections, ultimately aiming to steer them away from negative influences.
We organised engaging activities combining physical exertion with teamwork could be particularly beneficial for teenagers like A, who might be hesitant to participate in traditional sports.
The "Wellness Warriors" project aimed to engage young people like A in regular physical activity through structured football sessions and circuit training. The goals were to improve their fitness levels, enhance their mental well-being, build confidence, and create a supportive environment for social interaction.
The project planned to run weekly sessions that incorporated both football skills and fitness exercises, catering to different abilities and emphasising participation and fun.
We needed to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that would encourage hesitant teenagers like A to attend and feel comfortable. They also needed qualified leaders to run the sessions effectively and provide positive role models.
The ongoing task was to sustain A's engagement over time and observe positive changes in his physical health, confidence, and social interactions.
We designed sessions that alternated between football drills, small-sided games, and varied circuit training exercises, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience. The focus was on participation and personal improvement rather than intense competition.
Our project leaders fostered a supportive and encouraging environment, emphasising teamwork and positive communication. They made an effort to connect with each participant individually, including A, to make them feel welcome and valued.
A was initially reluctant but decided to try the "Wellness Warriors" sessions after encouragement from his parents who learned about the project through a local social media post.
We made sure to include activities that catered to different fitness levels, ensuring A didn't feel overwhelmed. They paired him with different young people during activities, encouraging interaction and teamwork.
Over time, the consistent positive reinforcement and the sense of camaraderie within the group helped A feel more comfortable and confident. He started to actively participate in the activities and interact more with the other young people.
A became a regular attendee of the "Wellness Warriors" sessions. His physical fitness improved noticeably; he had more energy and showed greater agility during the football activities.
His confidence experienced a significant boost. He started to communicate more openly with the other participants and the leaders, demonstrating improved social skills and a greater willingness to engage in group activities.
A's parents observed a positive transformation in him. He was more outgoing, had made new friends through the project, and showed a greater interest in his overall health and well-being. He spoke positively about the sessions and looked forward to attending each week.
The "Wellness Warriors" project successfully engaged A in positive physical activity and provided him with a supportive social environment, contributing to his enhanced mental well-being and increased confidence.
Feedback from A indicated that he enjoyed the variety of activities and the friendly atmosphere. He mentioned that "It's not just about being good at football or being super fit, it's about having fun and being with other people."
For Action 2 Inspire, A's story highlights the positive impact of the "Wellness Warriors" project in engaging young people who might not typically participate in traditional sports. It demonstrates the effectiveness of combining physical activity with a supportive social environment to build confidence and promote well-being. The next steps could involve further outreach to identify and support more young people like A within the Oldham community.