Salford Sports Volunteer Aims High

19 year old James Butcher, from Salford, was bitten by the sports bug at a young age and soon turned his talent into helping out as a volunteer at local youth clubs established by the New Deal for Communities initiative. James said: "I started volunteering when I was about 15. I was hanging about with the wrong crowd but knew that I wanted more. I have always been keen on sport and it seemed natural to get involved with the local sports projects and help out when I could."

James had a natural talent for sport but was also able to work with young people really effectively so it wasn't long before Charlestown and Lower Kersal New Deal for Communities Community Sports Development Officer, Richard Brown started to talk to him about applying for a position as a coach. Richard said: "It was clear very quickly that James had a lot to offer the local youth clubs. We had no hesitation in asking him to become more involved with the projects and work with us as a casual coach."

James has also gained a huge amount of confidence and experience as a result of his coaching. As part of his coaching he has helped train a group of young to participate in the North West StreetGames as well. James explained: "The StreetGames is such a great event for young people. It is huge, well-organised and there is a chance to take part in all sorts of sports as well as meet other young people from all the different areas.

"The Easter and Summer sports schemes give us a good chance to really coach the young people for the big event in the summer. There is a great build up and a sense of belonging and achievement at the end."

James will be continuing his coaching throughout the summer before he starts his degree course in Business and IT at Edgehill University in Liverpool. He is still keen to keep up his sports coaching but will be working hard to make sure that his course work doesn't fall behind. James said: "I really enjoy the coaching work that I do but will have to see how best to combine this with college once I start. I am looking forward to the StreetGames this year though and helping our team get ready for the big event."