England cricket legend and Laureus Friends & Ambassador Michael Vaughan received an enthusiastic welcome when he visited the London Active Communities’ Urban Stars project in Lambeth.
Vaughan, captain of the England cricket team which famously beat Australia in 2005 in one of the most thrilling Ashes Series ever, faced up to some cracking bowling from inner city teenagers who attend the project.
Urban Stars operates in some of the most troubled areas of London with a high incidence of juvenile crime. It delivers a community-based multi-sports programme, with a focus on urban cricket, football, basketball and boxing. Based at the Lillian Bayliss Old School in Lambeth, it targets young people, aged 13-19, tackling gang membership, crime and anti-social behaviour.
Michael Vaughan said:
“Being able to spend time with these youngsters and see Laureus Sport for Good at work was a memorable experience. It was great to see so much positive communication between the leaders and the youngsters. I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to make Urban Stars such a success,” he added.
The ultimate aim of Urban Stars is to offer young people routes into education, training and employment, by offering quality learning opportunities outside school. This leads to a rise in academic attainment and aspirations. It also works to reduce the number of teenagers joining gangs. This should lead to lower offending rates, fewer weapons related incidents and a reduced fear of crime in target areas.
