Hillhouse, Hamilton, is an area that is regularly highlighted as a hot spot area by police analysts of partnership information and as a result MTGP attended at Hillhouse on a Thursday evening, identified as the peak night of concern.
On average 44 young people attended each week with many identified by police and residents as being from the target group. Male and female attendees bonded well with nightly activities concluding in a boys v girls match. Several residents and parents regularly attended with numerous positive comments received as to the many benefits gained by attendees and the wider community as a direct result of MTGP.
MTGP was paid an impromptu visit by a local MP (elected members and partners regularly attend without the need to advise MTGP beforehand and are actively encouraged to do so). He stayed for 45 minutes speaking to attendees, parents and residents before stating that ‘he was impressed how MTGP interacts and supports local communities whilst producing many positive outcomes’.
A Hillhouse area team was formed to participate in the under 16 Community League. This was of significance as previously there had been a great reluctance to attend the location of the community leagues due to on-going gang rivalry.
22 male and female attendees from MTGP were introduced by MTGP to the ‘Sportscene’ Project operated by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture on a Sunday night as they were struggling to attract this target group. The coaches gave up their own time for the first 2 weeks to assist the integration of the young people into this activity and to encourage continued attendance.
Testimonies
The following are a sample of the many testimonials received from attendees, parents and residents whilst at Hillhouse:-
‘Me and my mates have nothing to do in our area. We enjoy the football being here coz we aren’t wandering the streets, getting into trouble coz we’ve nothing to do. We are going to enter a team into the community league when it starts up again. The coaches huv told us about the Sportscene project on a Sunday and we will head down there as well.’ Tony (16)
‘Since you came Hillhouse has been quiet and the kids don’t make a nuisance of themselves around the scheme. Hope youse are here all summer’. Betty (Resident)
Personal Case Study: Steven
Steven has Downs Syndrome and initially attended MTGP on the second night of activity within the Hillhouse area. His father informed MTGP that Steven was football mad but didn’t get the opportunity to play. He asked the coaches if they could support his introduction to being at MTGP whilst assisting him to make new friends.
Steven proved to be highly enthusiastic and attended every night. He would arrive early and was always the last to leave. He integrated well with others and his enthusiasm rubbed off on all who attended.
Prior to attending MTGP Steven did not get much exercise and was particularly unfit. Since attending MTGP his health and fitness levels have increased dramatically with his father stating that ‘his son has been given a new lease of life’.
‘My son Steven loves being here and its all he talks about all week. It’s the best thing that’s happened to my son for a very long time. He loves the coaches.
I just drop him off at 6pm and pick him up at 10pm. It’s not just my son that is benefiting as I am able to get some valuable time to catch up on all the everyday things we have to do in the knowledge that for this one night, my son is safe and enjoying himself.
I am so grateful to Moving the Goalposts.’ Eddie (Parent)
Steven was the recipient of the MTGP monthly ‘Coaches Award for Participation, Enthusiasm and Personal Development’. Steven is photographed receiving his award from Head Coach Brian Bittles.
Steven is always a regular attendee when MTGP revisits the Hillhouse area. He has formed such a bond with the coaches that they were all invited to his 30th birthday party.
Moving The Goalposts 