Yeovil Town Community Sports Trust have continued their close association with the Prince's Trust by getting involved with a second group of youngsters suitably named the 'Yeovil 14'.
'Yeovil 14', nine local volunteers aged 16-25, are on the Prince's Trust team programme which is a twelve week development programme delivered by Bridgwater College in which volunteers gain both teamwork and community skills to achieve a level 1 City and Guilds certificate.
Part of that course involves a local community project and the 'Yeovil 14' thought a suggestion made by Community Trust Officer Roy O'Brien was perfect for their purposes.
Roy and Yeovil coaches Dave Gudge and Tony Rich have been involved with Barbara Hooper, Police Community Support Officer for Reckleford, and Louise Forshaw of the Residents Association in getting Thursday night coaching sessions and football matches off the ground at Reckleford recreational area.
The area which surrounds the court was very neglected and the team wanted to improve the area so that families could sit and watch the evening matches.
The team agreed to cut down shrubbery, clear the area, create a seating area, clean the tarmac and paint the perimeter boards.
Any money spent needed to be raised by the team and they undertook a stack of activities which included a sponsored abseil, car boot sale, cake sale and table top sale.
Yeovil Town kicked it all off by donating both a signed football and a signed shirt and the fundraising ended with a sponsored football match which was kicked off by new manager Terry Skiverton.
In total the team raised £700 and having spent £300 on materials were proud to present a cheque to Louise for £400.
"I cannot believe the transformation in such a short period of the time," said Community Trust Officer Roy O'Brien.
"The team must have worked really hard and I am thrilled that the youngsters will have the use of the new facilities.
"I am also pleased to hear and that the community came out of their houses to help. I always knew it was a good project. I would like to thank the team for all their hard work and determination to get this done."
Heather Ribalta, team leader for Yeovil 14 added, "When my team chose the project, I knew that it would be a really good project, but it has amazed me how the community have come together to make this work.
"You know when everyone comes out of their doors, bring you refreshments and volunteer their own time to get it done that it is a worthwhile project.
"It is a real testament to the good work the local resident's association is a already doing to get youngsters off the streets to tackle life in a positive way.
"Louise's enthuiasm, passion and commitment kept us going and I am thrilled that my team have helped her reach her goal.
"Yeovil 14 would like to thank everyone involved for the opportunity and their support and they hope that everyone will benefit from the work they have done for years to come."
