FIFTEEN young people from in and around the Havelock Estate, Southall, graduated from a unique ‘training for work’ programme called Street Elite on Thursday.

Street Elite works with young people not in education, employment and training and who are at risk of falling into crime.

It develops their work and life skills through sports coaching. This particular group’s placement is funded jointly by Ealing Council, Catalyst Housing, Change Foundation and Berkley Foundation.

Those taking part undergo an initial 12-week training course in which they learn to work with each other and how to take and give instructions. It’s all intended to develop their motivation and reliability.

When they have completed this, they move on to deliver sports sessions to young people in their area.

The young people were congratulated on their efforts at a ceremony held at the Young People’s Centre, Southall.

They were presented with certificates before they spoke about the difference taking part in Street Elite had made to their lives.

They will now take their first step into the world of work with a two-week construction placement with Berkeley Homes, Catalyst Homes or Ealing Council’s youth service.

In previous years, 79% of participants have moved on to work or further training after completing the programme.

Rachid Hassan, 22, who was on the programme, said: “I used to think a job would come to me, but now I realise I need to go to the job.

“I was in this project only for the money at first - turn up, play sport, get paid, easy.

“But, with the coaches’ support and mentoring, I soon realised it’s not about the money, it’s all about the bigger picture - my future.

“Street Elite has offered me many things over the past few months, but the biggest thing it’s offered for me is a future.”

Rob Perrins, managing director of the Berkeley Group, said: “We want to get more and more disengaged young people reconnected with the world of work. This is our future workforce and that makes it a real issue for business.”

Andy Sellins, chief executive of the Change Foundation, added: “Seeing young people start their first job is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.”

For more information on Street Elite, go to www.street-elite.org. To find out about activities and opportunities for young people in Ealing, go to www.youngealing.co.uk