Field of Dreams
‘Field of Dreams’ is a structured, integrated and innovative intervention, targeted at some of the most vulnerable and "hard to reach" young people of Luton who have disengaged with learning, are involved in anti-social behaviour and are at risk of entering - or already within - the youth justice system. Without change, the future lives of these young people will be ones of underachievement and unfulfilled potential, leading to long-term unemployment and possibly more serious criminal activity.
In ‘Field of Dreams’ Youth at Risk is working in partnership with Luton Borough Council, Active Luton and Professional Rugby Union Club Saracens (supported by Luton Rugby Club) to deliver a programme that combines powerful personal development and life skills coaching with tough, no nonsense fitness and skills training in rugby football. The programme is based on the model of our highly successful project Ballet Hoo! documented in the Channel 4 series, Ballet Saved My Life.
It has been made possible by substantial grants from the Big Lottery's 'Reaching Communities' Fund, the William Wates Memorial Trust and the Mark Leonard Trust, with additional support from a number of charitable trusts and foundations.
We believe Rugby Football is a perfect metaphor for life. Success cannot be achieved by working in a vacuum - but by being part of a team and working harmoniously with others. It is a game through which you learn to understand and appreciate that whilst people may be different to you they are equally valuable and equally to be respected. It is a game whereby the ultimate goal is achieved through a series of planned tactical moves that take you step-by-step to your target.
Like life Rugby is a tough game in which one has to learn how to take knocks as well as give them, to be physically and mentally prepared, to play hard but fair and within the rules. The premise of the project is if these young people can rise to its challenges then their self-esteem and self-confidence will increase too and they will be better prepared to play the game of life.
Year 1 of the programme, which completed in April 2009, was a huge success, with 40 young men from a mix of the different ethnic origins that make up the population of Luton taking part. One of the highlights of the year was the young men demonstrating their new found fitness and rugby skills in front of a packed crowd during Saracens Guinness Premiership match against Leicester Tigers.
Year 2, which got underway in June, sees the project expand by being accessible to young females as well as young men and by including ‘street dance’ as well as rugby, with a coaching programme provided by the team that trains the renowned Saracens cheerleaders, the Saracens Sensations.
