Former salesman Neville Moore is looking forward to the New Year with enthusiasm after setting himself a career goal.
The 22-year-old from Aston, Birmingham, is determined to end a six-month period of unemployment by achieving his dream of becoming a sports coach.
Neville is one of ten unemployed people from the Aston area who recently completed a unique six-week introduction to sports coaching organised in partnership by Aston Pride New Deal and Pertemps Coachright.
The group of budding coaches gained qualifications in a range of sports including football, netball and cricket.
Brad Russell is technical director of Pertemps Coachright, part of Pertemps People Development Group. It works with a wide range of organisations that share its passion for developing communities through sport.
Brad said: "Aston Pride approached us and asked us to design a course that would help clients achieve sports qualifications in a relatively short period of time. We put together an exciting and varied course which included a one-week period of work experience with Pertemps Coachright.
"I must applaud everyone who took part for the way they applied themselves throughout the course which included activities in the evenings and at weekends. They showed a brilliant attitude and total commitment. It was such a success that we're looking to repeat the course elsewhere."
There were a wide range of qualifications gained by the clients, many of whom had been unemployed for several years. everyone who successfully completed the programme also received a sports coach
starter pack including a variety of activity balls, markers, cones, bibs, whistle and clipboard to help them get started as well as tracksuit, polo shirts, rain jacket and shorts.
Neville's work experience took him to Anglesey and Lozells primary schools. He said: "I found it really enjoyable. The children really respond to you and enjoy the sessions. All the kids were willing to listen
and learn. It has confirmed what I thought, that I want to be a sports coach. I already coach the under 13s football team at Smethwick United and I love it. I just need to gain a bit more knowledge in football coaching and I'll be ready to look for a job."
Usman Saeed, 25, from Aston, has been out of work for three years. He completed the course and had work experience with the Aston Hat-trick project. He wants to use his new skills and qualifications by becoming a youth worker.
He said: "I would recommend people to go on this course. The ten of us that took part all completed our qualifications and half of them have already got jobs. It's just a matter of time until I get one."
