Football therapy brings awards

RKdia, the housing scheme for disadvantaged young people, lifted the ROKO division 3 5-a-side football league cup this week. An impressive achievement for a small organisation, and one that reflects how central football has become to the development of young people at RKdia.

RKdias Project Manager, Chris Adams, introduced football 4 years ago as an activity to help build team spirit and focus young people's energy positively. The team have earned promotion every year; wining division 5 in 2004, runners-up in division 4 last year and this year winning division 3.

As Chris Adams explains, football has been an inspirational focus for RKdias young residents. ғIt is a pretty impressive result for us. We only have a small group to pick from, so winning promotion for the third year running is a real achievement.

The football has strengthened our young residents relationships and built a sense of belonging and team spirit. Individuals are relied on and, in turn, rely on others, which creates a positive atmosphere among the staff and residents alike. There are strict rules about the conduct required off the pitch in order to be part of the team. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved.Ҕ

RKdia are planning to extend their football activities and have applied for an Awards for All lottery grant. If the bid is successful, a womens football team will be set-up and a coach employed. With another award in the trophy in the bag, 2006 is looking like a good year for RKdia, who were runners-up as ғTeam of the Year at the 2006 News Business Awards.