A CHARITY which aims to help young people develop life skills through sport has received a major funding boost.

The Empowering Youth Foundation, a registered charity based at The Foundry, Yorke Street, can now introduce its Life Skills programme to some of Wrexham’s most deprived areas thanks to funding of more than £4,500 from Communities First.

The project, spearheaded by executive director Dawn Roberts, will visit Queensway, Gwenfro, Hightown and Plas Madoc to give youngsters a chance to learn valuable life skills which the charity hopes will benefit their future, family, school and the wider community.

Dawn said: “It’s great that we’ve won such clear support for this project.

“And it’s wonderful to know that we’ll be helping to improve the lives of young people from
more deprived areas, and we’ll be doing it in a fun way.

“Anyone who comes along will not only have the chance to make the most of precious green space to improve their fitness but they’ll learn core values such as honesty, integrity and good sportsmanship.

“We hope they’ll then adapt these skills into their everyday lives.”

According to Dawn, originally from California but now living in Wrexham, the new Life Skills venture is the first of its kind in the town and she is delighted to be in a position to help her own community.

She said: “This is a great place to raise children and I really want to do something here in support of the community and its children.

“And it’s an added bonus that we’ve got the support of the council, through Communities First and local schools.”

Tristan Thomas, of Caia Park Communities First, added: “We are thrilled that the bid has been successful and we can move forward implementing the Empowering Youth Foundation’s Life Skills experience.

“The Caia Park Communities First team is underpinned by an aspiration to provide dedicated services and support to children, young people and their families.

“The Life Skills programme will work brilliantly to aid our work.”

For further information on future programmes visit www.empoweringyouthfoundation.org.uk.