Coach Matt talks about his work with one of our amazing youths on LiFT Youth…

Recently, as part of our youth outreach program LiFT Youth, I had the privilege of working with a young man named David (name changed for privacy).  This course ran for 6 weeks, and involved the whole team at The Project PT working with a group of 16 year olds to teach them about anatomy, exercise, coaching and interpersonal skills, with a look to find them meaningful and engaging work experience at the end.  This course was also CIMSPA accredited, meaning that by completing it, they would not only learn valuable skills, but also get a foot on the professional ladder .

When I first met David, he was very quiet, reticent, and unwilling to venture guesses at the questions we asked him.  David has various learning difficulties, which affect his fact retention, and this undoubtedly contributed to his shyness.  The other young people we were working with were also not bold public speakers, but with a little prodding would be able to take a shot at naming a muscle or exercise category, but not David.  It would be several weeks before we could consistently get more than a few sentences out of him, and even this would require coaxing and encouragement. 

As the course progressed, and the other boys gained in confidence, so did David.  He was still something of a wallflower, but seeing him slowly come out of his shell, retaining information and improving his skill at the exercises we did with him was a wonderful experience.  Eventually, he completed the course, passing with flying colours, and being awarded his CIMSPA accredited certificate.

After discussions with David’s parents, we agreed to take him on board for a period of work experience at our High Street Movement Studio.  Though he wasn’t quite ready to fully assist us in coaching our members, he was an invaluable asset during his time with us; assisting in maintaining and preparing the Studio for sessions, helping me run Boxing sessions, and participating in promotional efforts for upcoming events.  I got to spend more time one on one with David during this period, and we began to have longer, more detailed and personal conversations.  These weren’t soul-baring confessionals by any stretch, but for the teenager who I could hardly get a word out of when we first met to be happily chatting away about TV, his friendship groups, and his new bike was amazing progress.  As well as this work experience, The Project PT provided funding and space for him to continue his fitness journey throughout his summer holidays - we truly believe that fitness can have a transformative effect in the lives of young people, and David has been a prime example of this.

As of today, David has found full time employment and is considering his options for further education.  It would be arrogant and wrong of me to try and take sole credit for this brilliant outcome - David’s supportive parents, and his own determination to learn and grow were also massively influential.  However, for me to have had a small part in directing this bright, kind young man’s life has been a profound experience for me, and a highlight of my career to date.  To have chances to help the next generation is both a great honour and a great responsibility, and I will continue to try my best to live up to it.