Congratulations on a really excellent event. The two convicted prisoners who opened the event were terrific, delivering a very valuable message with maximum impact. It takes courage to present to those sorts of numbers, all the more so to stand up and admit to having made such big mistakes. I’ve no doubt their message will stay with all who saw them. I was also impressed by the quality of the coaches; you’d mentioned that they were all quality athletes but I was surprised to find that they are all such high achievers with so many international medals between them, not to mention the world’s fastest under 18 year old! Best of luck with the programme and thanks for all your hard work. I’m delighted that The Royal Parks have had the opportunity to assist with this really worthwhile project.
I am Henry Tambekong, an aspiring 18 year old footballer. I joined MET-TRACK to improve my speed as it will help me become a better athlete and hence better footballer. Since joining it has become a healthy distraction from the activities teenagers may usually do or not do. MET-TRACK has caused me to excel continuously due to one-one coaching sessions. These sessions are so valuable with great professional coaching which are free of charge. Since joining MET TRACK the coaches have improved me as an athlete as well as made me a better person. I am highly motivated now, and better able to achieve my goals.
The coaches here motivate athletes in training and also in their personal lives. They give advice on how you could reach your aims, they also tell us what we can do in the mean time and help you get there. For instance, I was recommended to a football scout - we are still waiting for feedback. I am very happy for a place like this I can go to every week improving me as an athlete and a person without worrying about any payments. The coaches even offer me one-on-one coaching which there is no money involved, giving professional and advice and undivided attention causing rapid progress in my athletic development.
The sort of opportunity that has been given to me by this organisation does not come along very often and is not easy to come by. It is great to know there are people like our MET-TRACK coaches who care about young people because they go beyond their job of coaching, which they do excellently, and also look into the personal lives of young athletes (not just me) and find the time to help in anyway they can.
17 year old Sutton Youth Offender: 'Overall I found Met-Track very beneficial not just for me but for the other young people that took part as it gives you a good understanding of some of the field and track events. I'm planning to still keep going to Met-Track even after my Referral Order finishes as I found the project enjoyable as I used to like sports and running when I was at school.I haven't re-offended since I started attending the Met-Track project'. Please can you pass on my positive comments of todays Met track event.
I have just come back from a fantastic day at Wimbledon Athletics Stadium, not only did the sun shine but the 'selected students' I brought gained valuable awareness of our society today and how to deal with staying out of trouble. It was brilliant to see the police joining in and getting a positive rapport with all students. The sessions meant there was something for everything and the whole event seemed organised and was driven with enthusiasm from the coaches. I thoroughly enjoyed the talk about prison and I feel bringing in a convicted criminal made a strong connection with the students and will hopefully prevent some of them from making the mistakes he did. I am looking forward to the Athleitcs club on thursday nights and hope this becomes sustainable in Merton. Is there any possibility of getting some bright posters advertising the sessions for our school; although I only brought 25 students I am aware of others who may wish to take up this opportunity. Once again, many thanks for a truly education day in all senses of the word. Kind regards Dan Shoubridge - Teacher
Met-Track helps me stay away from the TV and computer. Before Met-Track started I had nothing to do after school, I would normally get on the bus with my friends and hang around the streets making noise. I always got into fights with other girls. But now feel I have something to look forward to, and focus my mind on.
Met-Track has improved my athletic ability. Now, even though I can run faster, I don't have to run from the police anymore, because I have learnt some discipline and positive life skills from Met-Track.
Met-Track has made me new friends, I have improved my fitness and have now joined Newham athletics club. So I now train three times a week. I don't get into trouble anymore. Met-Track taught me that there is more to life than hanging on the streets, a lot of my old friends are coming into school saying they had a run in with police, I now don't have the time for that because most nights I am training, this all started because of Met-Track.
I used to be very loud and noisy when I first started Met-Track. I also used to be a bully at school. Since I joined Met-Track, I learned that everyone is different and have been told not to bully, so I have stopped. Met-Track is something for me to look forward to after school.
I go to Met-Track to make new friends. I have some friends that always get into serious trouble, and I sometimes follow. But I prefer to go and train at Met-Track with other people who are into the same thing and not looking for trouble. I don't have to be pressured into anything wrong anymore because I have new friends from Met-Track.
I know some friends who like to fight and because I hang around with them I end up fighting too. I got started on by four boys a few weeks ago because they say I beat their friend. I now can stay away from those type of boys, since I have something to spend my time