Connolly emphasized the need for equal opportunities in play, stating, 'I think every child should have the same opportunity to play regardless if they go to a private school or a state school.' This perspective underlines the belief that children's background should not dictate their access to sports and recreational activities.
Reflecting on his experiences, Connolly recalled, 'Pitz was a bit of a lifesaver for me, and I think many other young people. The gate was just open, you could go in and play. There was space for everybody.' This highlights the nostalgia for accessible community spaces where children could freely engage in play.
After advocating with local councillors, Connolly secured valuable access to St Dunstan's pitches, saying, 'Since August last year, St Dunstan's has given free access to Sports Fun 4 All for an hour every Monday after the school day ends.' This demonstrates the successful collaboration between private schools and community organizations.
Through collaborations with various groups, Connolly noted the establishment of the Lewisham Young Leaders Academy, aimed to support disadvantaged youth, highlighting, 'the Lewisham Young Leaders Academy (LYLA) was established to help disadvantaged African, Caribbean and dual-heritage children aged eight to 18.' This initiative marks an important step towards inclusivity.
#green-space-access #youth-sports #community-engagement #equality-in-sports #private-school-collaboration
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