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The Basketball Academy – RDF’s Return from Lockdown
 
After several months of four walls for East London’s youth, many young people returned to fun and fitness at The Basketball Academy – a project launched by RDF, intended to provide much-needed engagement for our youth.
 
Using basketball, the project aims to develops young people’s sportsmanship and confidence. Naturally, sporting for young people now is not as easy as it once was mere months ago – RDF was sure to maintain a safe environment and ease any anxieties by screening all staff and players upon arrival.
 
Once screened, players were taken in and trained in technique and strategy, enabling them to play and compete with each other in healthy and engaging ways. They were able to get excited and focus on themselves and for some time, forget about the burdens placed on their young shoulders – something needed for our youth now more than ever.

BACK TO THE FUN

RDF KICKSTARTER EMPLOYEES, ENGAGING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE ON THEIR FIRST DAY

RDF’s aim to support young people has also been reflected in their recent recruitment in partnership with the Kickstart Scheme – an initiative to put young people, many of whom are facing challenges, in work. 10 new recruits between the ages of 16-24 have begun their journey with RDF, already starting to develop their skills and eager to make meaningful differences – both in their own lives and in the community they will now be supporting with RDF.
 
“I had a lot to worry about today,” one new recruit shares. “Meeting new people, trying to figure out my duties for the first time, the possibility of getting hit by a basketball – but once I’d gotten in and gone straight into helping out, it really felt like I was a part of something.”

There have been new beginnings for players and RDF alike. There’s been a mix of feelings over the last few months, but the RDF family are excited to be back, excited to get involved and excited to move forward and grow.
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