On Wednesday 3rd of April, Abraz,  A Feathers part time youth worker, who delivers weekly recreational football sessions at Feathers Marylebone took a group a core group of 15 boys and girls, aged between 8 to 14 to friendly football match at North Paddington Youth Club. Within minutes of being there you could not tell which young people were from either club as they made friends and chatted straight away. As part of the welcome everyone was given a health and safety talk and offered refreshments. For those who were fasting pizzas were ordered for everyone  and for those that could eat after 19.41 [Iftar].

Naturally the games were competitive but friendly . The first game North Paddington went 3-0 up in what started out as a pretty tight game. Feathers manage to hit two late goals ending the game with a loss. Despite losing neither team were intimating or bitter towards each other. The next game saw a rotation of some players. With no score the match went to penalties with Feathers winning. The final game saw Feathers wining 2-1 with an impressive goal by the youngest player playing one game scoring a great goal!

After the game all members of both clubs shook hands and celebrated both with their teams and each other. Even though it was underpinned by being a competitive match for some. What shone through by far, was the confidence building, developing skills, befriending, collaboration and opportunity for peer leadership. Encouraging more children, young people and staff get involved. As well as a real range of diverse players, genders, cultures and abilities.

These opportunities are great not just for the young people taking part. But those youth workers like Abraz  as they can learn key leadership skills but also how to manage a team at a sporting fixture.

To get involved at any of the activates at Feathers Marylebone or visit the membership page here