Monthly Archives: February 2012

A year on from London 2 LA gang documentary.

Posted by Consequences (Breaking the negative cycle) on

 

It has been a year since I took four young people from our Crib youth project to Los Angeles to do a gang intervention documentary.  The idea was to find out as much as we can about young people in gangs in LA and the most important thing was to find out what intervention projects where in place to tackle the gang culture.   We visited Crenshaw, Inglewood, Boyle heights and we even had the opportunity to get a tour of a county jail for juvenile young people.

Since then Tobi, Mustaphar, Bobbie and Bernard have been spreading the message of their experience in LA, through the documented interviews of active gang member, former gang member, gang intervention worker, and a District attorney. The DVD London 2 LA gang intervention documentary has been watched by more that 800 people. We have also distributed more than 600 copies in the last year.

The 4 of them are now working hard to build a successful future for themselves. They will never forget their experience in Los Angeles and hope that their message in the documentary reaches many young people in the UK.

For more information on the planning of the trip click the link:  http://emekabnc.com/2011/08/10/london-2-la-gang-intervention-documentary/?preview=true&preview_id=64&preview_nonce=2d38405714

Pictures:

 

My first coaching job. Archive footage of Gems FC

Posted by Consequences (Breaking the negative cycle) on

 

In 2004 I was given the opportunity to coach a football team called Gems FC. After my pursuit for a professional career in football was ended with a serious knee injury. I got my FA level one badge in coaching that summer. I focussed my attention on coaching while I was still studying for my A levels at college.  More than 60 young people turned up for the trials. The aim was to help break the divide in our part of Hackney, bringing different young people together from Hoxton, Haggerston, Murry Grove, Holly street.  After the large turn out to be part of this new under 16 team, I recruited Gabriel Ogundana who was my assistant coach. After two weeks we reduced the number from 60 to a 25 man squad.

During my time with Gems FC, it was more than just being a football coach, it was an opportunity to mentor and help motivate them. Even though I was only 18 no more than two years older than some of them the respect was there and I was able to learn from them as well.

I enjoyed my two years with Gems FC, it is one of the best memories I have had working with young people. It was like a family and in those two years we won 4 trophies and remained undefeated in our second season.

 

This is highlights of 2004/2005 season