With Your Game backing the London FA offered 80 young people from across the capital a chance to experience the joys of football and a whole lot more.
Pioneers Day was made possible thanks to a grant from Kick it Out, the campaign to stamp-out racism in football.
The aim of the event was to offer 14 and 15 year-olds an insight into coaching, refereeing and working in the sports media.
Darren Smith, the Inclusion Officer for the London FA, came up with the idea for Pioneers Day that was held at the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace. "It's important that young people know about a range of career possibilities. Football can be about a lot more than just kicking a ball. We're showing off a variety of options associated with sport."
Darren and his FA colleagues were able to deliver the coaching and refereeing sessions but needed Your Game support to put on the media workshops. Thanks to introductions made at the festival in London, staff from BBC 21cc helped students make TV programmes about football while a team from 5 Live's 606 show worked through the fundamentals of producing radio content.
Senior producer Jo Tongue watched the students develop in a short space of time. "The guys were a little reserved to start with but once the got their hands on the equipment they really came alive and embraced the production process."
Patrick Vale from 21cc said the experience was similar in the TV workshops. "They were hesitant to the beginning with but once they were allowed to start using the kit they really got into it. Unlike some people we work with they showed no fear of the technology involved."
The sessions were a real eye-opener for 14 year-old Patrick Okeke-Kamalu from Raines Foundation School in Bethnal Green. "I really enjoyed the editing, filming and interviewing stuff. It's all harder than it looks but really good fun. I hadn't thought about working in the sports media, but it is now one of the options I'll be considering."
Kevin Coleman, the Grassroots Development Officer for Kick it Out was clearly impressed with the day. "Our campaign 'Weeks of Action' are designed to celebrate diversity. At this event the FA is bringing young people from a range of backgrounds together and offering them real opportunities. And with all the support he's pulled in Darren's made our £1000 grant go an awfully long way."
The day was rounded off with an appearance by Spurs and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas. He took a look around before handing out goody bags to all participants.
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The London FA
BBC 21cc
606 Show on Radio 5 Live
Kick it Out
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