We are indebted to outside agencies who pledge their support to Met-Track in all manner of ways. Most significantly, England Athletics have taken on overarching responsibility for the weekly squad training sessions, and have provided some financial support for the scheme. We also are indebted to the British Athletics Charitable Trust (BACT) who have agreed to take over management of the financial side of the scheme under their umbrella, hence eliminating a significant amount of work for the scheme manager with invoicing each month. Her Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS) is also playing a big part in our launch events in providing staff and inmates from category D prison, Latchmere House, to talk to groups of young people about life on the inside, and we are hoping to develop this into a broader mentoring programme for later weekly activities. Met-Track is also sincerely grateful to major facility providers for their generosity in offering sports stadia and facilities for greatly discounted rates or absolutely free. Notable Greenwich Leisure Limited has been terrific in this regard, as have Parkwood Leisure and other individual sites around the Capital. Future opportunities are anticipated through cementing links with the Volunteer Cadet Corps run by the Metropolitan Police Service, and other external organisations who are able to offer opportunities for young people to further their ambitions in sport, irrespective of their ability. Also partnering us with the Scheme is the St Giles Trust.
Met-Track launch events are renowned now for the street dance element which offers a rather different activity for young people to take part in as well as the sports sessions. That said, if anyone finds themselves seriously outside their comfort zone, throws coaching is offered as an alternative after the mandatory ten-minute 'warm-up' on the dance floor. Some participants, however, although initially slow to respond, have eventually discovered an activity that is fun, involves a bit of hard work, but is really cool once they've mastered a few basic moves!
We want to extend our relationship with Avant Garde, the company who deliver the coaching at our events, and we are delighted to hear of their latest development, which is on offer to all visitors to our website. Work is ongoing to pilot some sessions coupled with some of our borough weekly coaching days (watch this space!)...
Avant Garde Dance Company is a unique company that is highly respected and recognized in hip-hop and contemporary dance circles alike. After years of being approached by parents and youngsters they have decided to form their very own Youth Company! Auditions took place in January and this initiative will be updated as it progresses. They are seeking people who are versatile, open minded, and disciplined. The new youth company has already performed in February, and will doubtless move on to other events later this year and beyond.
Visit their own website at avantgardeworld.com
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