Athlete mentoring scheme launched

10th October 2007

A scheme designed to give disadvantaged young people the chance to get their lives back on track with the help of elite sports stars has been launched today with support from the Youth Sport Trust.

The Respect Athlete Mentoring Programme (RAMP) is part of the Government’s RESPECT work and targets young people aged 11 to 25 years from deprived neighbourhoods who are at risk of getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has invested over £650,000 in the scheme, which is being delivered by Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust.

RAMP has 18 elite sports stars from the past and present on board, including Olympic cycling medallist Bryan Steel and former World Champion swimmer Nick Gillingham, who act as mentors to individuals and small groups.

Each mentoring package is personally tailored for the young person’s needs, helping them to take positive steps for their future. RAMP sets them goals, helps them to recognise opportunities and widen their horizons. The sporting mentor may attend events with their mentee, encourage volunteer work, provide advice and persuade them to gain qualifications or begin a course. Every young person will receive up to six full days with their mentor over a six-month period along with ongoing support through email.

Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said: “RAMP is a truly unique initiative giving disadvantaged young people unprecedented access to world class athletes who can help them change their lives through sport. To become an elite athlete takes hard work, dedication and belief. Our mentors are well placed to guide and motivate young people at risk of social exclusion and help them pursue and achieve their ambitions.”

Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England said: “The Respect Athlete Mentoring Programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people from inner-city areas to spend up to six full days with world class athletes and learn first hand about building self-respect. Young people face many challenges growing up but this programme will provide them with the inspiration to get their lives back on track.”

Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “Sport has the power to engage young people, regardless of their ability or background, and can show them that anything is possible through dedication, hard work and self-belief, as demonstrated by the athlete mentors involved in RAMP. The athletes will have faced many of the same challenges in life that their mentees are now experiencing, so by working together, these young people will be better placed to achieve their best and celebrate this success both now and in later life.”