Here at ACCF we’re all about creating first time experiences for young people who wouldn’t normally have opportunities to play cricket, to spend time in green countryside, to visit a castle, to play on the beach or to stay away from home.
Well last week was a first for us and our turn to try something new as we hosted our first ever camping experience at ACCF. We were thrilled to welcome a group of young people from Duke’s Aldridge Academy in Tottenham, who left the city to take part in a unique and challenging three day camping adventure at Arundel. Being the first to experience sleeping under the stars and waking up in the magical surroundings of Arundel Castle, the students then took part in a range of activities and situations that they would not normally have the opportunity to experience. Cricket and Mindstrong workshops with the Arundel coaching team helped to develop core skills such as team-working, problem-solving and resilience. The group enjoyed the local countryside and woodlands with orienteering and walking challenges, den-building, exploring the enchanting Arundel Castle and gardens, learning about the local history and taking a dip in the sea at Littlehampton beach.
For most of the group, this trip was a series of first time experiences in new surroundings away from their usual inner-city environment. Being our first camping residential, it was invigorating to bring a new aspect to our programme that saw young people from a deprived area of inner London build confidence, teamwork and friendships whilst having amazing new adventures in the Arundel countryside. The experience enabled students to put their new skills towards achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
At the end of the trip, the students reflected on their Arundel experience:
“The Arundel trip has opened my eyes to new opportunities that could be out there. From where I come from in Tottenham compared to this, there’s a big difference.”
“Arundel has made me want to explore cricket more. The stuff we do here, it’s making me want to continue it outside of Arundel.”
“Den building was good, it helped with our teamworking, bonding, and it took a lot of determination.”
“I’m learning valuable skills, to take back to help myself.”
This residential experience is part of our Inner London Borough Programme which engages young people from some of the most deprived and challenging areas of London in sports, learning and social experiences to help overcome barriers, raise aspirations and create opportunities. This trip was delivered in partnership with the Aldridge Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping to raise the aspirations and develop the life and employability skills of disadvantaged young people from deprived and challenging communities in Sussex, Inner London and the north west of England.
To find out more about our work with young people from some of the most deprived areas of London follow this link: Inner London Borough Programme
