Rhondda is one of the most deprived areas of the UK; the closure of all its mines in the 1980s/90s led to high unemployment, and there has been little new investment since. Levels of alcohol and drug misuse are also high. Many young people therefore grow up without positive role models and with very low levels of aspiration in their lives, making poor choices which limit their horizons and make it less likely that they will achieve their potential.

Feedback from Head Teachers, teachers, parents & pupils, as well as beginning/end-of-year self-esteem and fitness tests, show that our programmes make a significant difference to the lives of the children we engage with - in terms of increased self-esteem, confidence, fitness, responsibility, engagement with the community & academic achievement. This project will enable ALL Rhondda children to have the opportunity of gaining these benefits