Chesterfield youth tackle racism

Young participants of the National Citizen Service (NCS) score their goal of bringing people of all cultures together through the medium of football.

NCS brings together 16-17 year olds from different backgrounds to learn new skills and make a real difference in their communities through social action projects. As part of their social action project, team ‘Without Borders’ decided to team up with ‘stand up to racism’.

NCS is a unique two or four week full-time programme focused around fun and discovery, including 30 hours committed to a community project that benefits both young people and society. Coming from a multicultural background, team member Connor Mullin is often confronted with racial slurs and abuse, and so to rectify this he decided that he’d put this at the forefront of his team’s social campaign.

On Thursday 26th October, ‘Without Borders’ took to the Outwood Academy football ground and played a game – not for the sake of competition, but social justice.

They continued this inspiring journey to create awareness by organising a talk held by Jeannie Robinson (Head Organiser for SU2R), who shed light on raising funds for Syrians who have found refuge in Chesterfield.

Ultimately the group raised £226.39 which is going to be used to buy Christmas presents for the four refugee family’s children, who have made Chesterfield their home.

Connor Mullin, Social Action Project Manager of Without Borders, said:-

“It was a great turnout and for a good cause, which is all that matters.”

Future Foundations have been delivering NCS in different regions since 2012. Future Foundations develop the social leadership and academic potential of young people by delivering numerous coaching, mentoring and training programmes across the UK and internationally.

Simon Paterson, NCS Delivery and Development Manager at Future Foundations, said:-

“It’s amazing to see so many socially conscious young leaders in Chesterfield. NCS fills me with hope for the future.”