Michael Kuku first attended an estate football session on the Aylesbury when he was 11 years old. Michael’s main reason for attending was to improve his confidence and to gain additional social skills as well as improving his footballing ability. Previous to attending the sessions Michael had a habit of getting caught up in the wrong crowd, which lead him into trouble both at home and with the police.
Michael previously attended Walworth Academy, however at the age of 12 his poor behaviour led to him being sent to Nigeria where his parents had initially emigrated from with the idea to teach him some discipline. Michael returned to London at the age of 14 and despite his willingness to go back to school the lack of available space at schools in Southwark meant that Michael was not able to attend for one school. Eventually in September 2014 Michael was enrolled back into school however due to his year absence he had to enter into the year below which resulted in a dip in confidence.
Looking to boost his confidence and gain additional skills Michael started to volunteer with Active Communities Network, helping staff to set up sessions, sorting out the participants before the session starts, helping with outreach and refereeing matches. Michael’s positive engagement in sport has influenced his peers by encouraging them to become involved in sports sessions and moving away from gang related activities. His determination and commitment to provide support in sessions has had a positive effect on the younger people he coaches who now look to him as a role model.
With this new found confidence and enhanced communication skills Michael and his peers developed a youth social action group which developed a programme to help engage inactive young people as well as those involved in gangs to try and deter away from antisocial behaviour. Michael was a key member of this group because of his experience of volunteering in sport, knowledge of his community and his ongoing achievements in music.
Since becoming part of the ACN programme Michael has shown great progression with his behaviour, his confidence is increasing and his ambition and determination has really accelerated. His growth within his own community is visible and he is fast becoming a positive leader to all of those around him. His short term goal is to become more involved in volunteering and to keep attending accredited and non-accredited courses to improve his CV. His long term goal is to become an ambassador for ACN.
Most recently, Michael completed the VRQ in Using Sport to Tackle Youth Crime, an Equality and Diversity Workshop and completed an Introduction to Youth Work qualification during the summer. Michael feels that these qualifications will help him stand out from his peers when entering the working world. Growing up in such a difficult part of London, Michael is a shining example of how sport and social action can help to have a positive impact on himself and the wider community. The dedication that he has shown thought his journey with ACN is to be applauded and we look forward to seeing his progress in the future.
