Sport 4 Life and the Street Games project have produced some mini case studies of young people where involvement in the Street Games initiative has had a positive impact on their lives. If you require any more information please contact the Sport 4 Life office.

ROYAL RECOGNITION FOR ONE EAST MANCHESTER YOUNGSTER

Paul said: "I was unhappy and really hated school. I didn't want to be there and I felt that the teachers didn't want me to be there. There was nothing to keep me interested in working at school." Before long, Paul found himself excluded for poor behaviour and was heading towards a life of low achievement and crime. Paul continued: "It was not a great time for me but I when I met coach Roy Thicket from the local NACRO project things really changed."

Within weeks Roy had managed to harness the youngster's skill and energy giving him a positive, healthy outlet that reaped major rewards. Roy provided Paul with the inspiration and direction he needed to start to change his life. Roy commented: "Paul started to come along to the local sports projects that we ran and I could tell that he was a good lad and had lots of potential. After a few sessions we suggested that he take part in the volunteer programme with a view to eventually gaining training to become a football coach."

Paul was hooked. He put in over 2000 hours of voluntary community work as part of the programme and set up a football team for school children with behavioural problems and enjoyed every minute. Paul continued: "Meeting Roy really changed my life. He really inspired me to do something positive. I enjoyed working with teenagers that I could relate to and found it rewarding as well as challenging.

quot;The StreetGames festival gave us a real focus for training and it was great being a part of it. The NW StreetGames festival is such an amazing event. It is well organized and huge and with all the sports taking place something that everyone can take part in."

Paul continued to work voluntarily and has now participated in three StreetGames events. He said: "It is great to have your team participate in the StreetGames and learn how these major events are organized and run. The children and the coaches gain so much from the day."And as a result of his efforts, Paul has been honoured by the Queen and was also awarded the Greater Manchester Police Young Citizen of the Year Award as well as an award for his efforts in the community by the Home Office.

Paul said: "The awards were amazing and I didn't expect them. I have even been invited back to my old school."

Now 21, Paul has not only been a valued volunteer youth worker but he has also provided inspiration to other young people living in the area. He is currently searching for paid work in coaching and is a semi-professional footballer. He said: "I really enjoy working with young people and showing them how sport can help them turn their lives around."