Southwark Community Games

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

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26 March 2008

Southwark's Community Games team says a very fond farewell to two of its favourite Coaches. Andy Roberts and Neil Smith, two head coaches, are leaving Southwark to go onwards and upwards in their career within sport. Neil and Andy joined Southwark Community Games, (SCG) at its start in May 2006 and have seen the programme grow from strength to strength. 

The games are a year round sports coaching and competition programme for 8 to 16 years olds, taking place in schools and estates all over the borough. In 2006 over 8,000 young people from Southwark were involved, increasing to 10,000 in 2007. It is the dedication of staff members such as Neil and Andy that has allowed the scheme to become so successful.

Andy, a level three cricket coach and sports coordinator, came on board as one of the head coaches in Peckham and Camberwell. He has played a huge part in the lives of many young children, fuelling their passion for sport and helping to change the attitudes of many young children in the area.

Andy Roberts commented about his time with Southwark: "Southwark Community Games is a fantastic project which provides benefits for the whole community in terms of employment, empowerment and positive engagement. It has been a great experience working with the local community to achieve shared goals".

After two successful years here in Southwark, Andy is moving back to his home city of Liverpool to become school sports competition manager, with Knowsley Council in Merseyside. Southwark's team is sure he will build the same strong partnerships to create the same success he achieved in Southwark.

Neil Smith came from the motor industry and was originally recruited as assistant community sports coach.

Neil was inspired as a result of watching kids play rugby, whilst on holiday in Fiji. "Their skill level was amazing and it was not until I got nearer that I noticed it wasn't a ball they where playing with but a coconut. When I got back to the UK I came across the advert for SCG and after the presentation at the open day I really wanted to be a part of the team, and haven't looked back since. I have had an amazing time with SCG and look forward to working alongside them in my new role as the Competition Manager for the Southwark School Sport Partnership".

Neil became an instant hit with the community games team and the young people of Dulwich, Camberwell, Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. He came to Southwark as an assistant with no coaching qualifications and a keen interest in rugby. He leaves two years later as a head coach in his area, with qualifications in level one football, cricket, rugby and athletics and with the status of a tutor for the Community Sports leader's award.

Andy and Neil have made a huge contribution to the young people of Southwark and the team they have worked so closely with. We wish them good luck and best wishes in their future careers.

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