Wragby youth club ‘goes virtual’ during Covid-19 pandemic

It is a junior youth club for children aged 8-11 years in the local area and is run by James Walker, who is the senior youth leader, and Ryan Hinson, who is the senior sports youth leader.

The centre has provided a safe and fun place for young people to visit.

Ryan said: “I have a passion for sport and I have felt for sometime how young people in our community needed more opportunities to play sport outside of school hours. 

“Sport is not only great for us physically but it is just as important for young people’s mental wellbeing.

“We are lucky to have a whole sports hall at our centre as well! It is brilliant to see children keeping active, and the feedback from the young people attending and parents has been tremendously supportive.

“There is a real buzz and energy to what we are doing.”

Michelle, whose son attends the club, said: “As a local parent we were very excited to hear that the youth club would be opening.

“My son had previous connections with Mr Hinson through the local primary school and had been a member of his school football team.

“My son joined the youth club when it opened, and he was keen to attend each week . 

“Ryan and James are motivated, enthusiastic and engaging leaders.

“The children have a safe and affordable environment which enriches their physical and mental wellbeing whilst being a fun place to be.

“My son enjoys meeting up with school friends there and is able to get physically active in a safe setting. 

“I believe it to be an asset to the community and, in particular, I have been following the British Sign Language videos on the Reload Facebook page that Ryan has uploaded on social media during lockdown.

“I am a strong believer that children and adults alike need to continue to learn new skills and introducing BSL at this time during lockdown has been fantastic for us.”

Ryan added: “My colleague James is great to work with, supportive and we have struck up an instant great partnership, and we have lots of exciting ideas for when we are open again after the lockdown is lifted.

“We are also very lucky to have three very skilled and experienced volunteers.”

James said: “By us offering a safe, supportive and encouraging environment , we strive to help all our young people we work with to gain skills and the confidence to grow, achieve and reach their potential.

“Our goal is to continuously develop both the Reload Centre and what we are able to offer to the young people and the local community as a whole.

“Some of the exciting plans we hope to bring in the coming year include extending our youth provision by running further weekly youth sessions which will expand the age rage we work with to 8-18 years of age.

“As a pivotal part of the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs, the young people will have the opportunities to attend national events such as football, pool, adventure weekends and our very own table tennis competition.

“We are also working hard to acquire and raise funds to further develop the sports hall, squash court and outdoor all-weather football pitch.

“We hope by improving these facilities and making them available to hire along with expanding the provisions we offer, The Reload Centre will become a real asset to the local community of Wragby.

“In the current environment, we have been forced to think outside the box and come up with new ways to engage with the young people and their families.

“That in mind we are constantly updating our Facebook page with fun activities for the whole family to get involved with, including Ryan’s fantastic Learn to Sign videos, exercise videos, scavenger hunts, quizzes and much more.”

Director of Lincolnshire Boys and Girls Club, and chair of Voluntary Youth Services at Lincolnshire County Council, Dr Charles Shaw said: “Members and helpers here are champing at the bit to get going again, but we are alsodoing our bit in the current situation and making sure the premises are clean and fit for NHS temporary use in an emergency.

“It is a tribute to the work of James and Ryan that young people sessions are being planned for when the virus period ends and that they are practicing our policy of keeping in touch.

“Good youth work is an inter-generational thing that develops young people and, at the same time, brings the community together.

“Across the county, many organisations in LCVYS membership are doing this and our Covid-19 statement can be found online at www.lcvys.co.uk/news

“We don’t operate in isolation but as the voluntary sector together so anyone needing support can contact Mrs Frances Carlson, the lead officer at Lincolnshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services, on 07787 698274.”

Ryan and James added: “As a non-profit organisation all this would not be possible without the help and support of our team of volunteers.

“We are always on the look-out for more enthusiastic individuals to join our team and help us grow and evolve.

“Whether you have skills in working with young people, fundraising, marketing, sports or even ICT, we would love to hear from you.”

To get in touch, email [email protected] for the attention of Mr James Walker.

To find out more about the club and activities on offer during the lockdown period, search for The Reload Centre on Facebook.