A NEW project to help secure a brighter future for young people who are out of work and education is being launched in Barrhead.

The Street League Academy, based at the Auchenback Resource Centre, will provide employment and training support, as well as the opportunity to gain qualifications.

Kicking off on January 17, it will run from Monday to Thursday each week for 10 weeks for an initial group of 12 participants from the local area.

Those who take part will have the chance to earn a £55 training allowance, as well as enjoying sport sessions at the Barrhead Foundry to increase wellbeing and confidence.

Omar Aslam, who is Street League’s operations manager for several areas, including East Renfrewshire, said: “We use the power of sport to help young people aged 16 to 29 who face personal barriers to employment.

“We work in schools, communities and with employers to equip young people with the confidence, motivation, essential skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the world of work.

“Our closest venue has been in Paisley and young people from East Renfrewshire have had the chance to come along and work from there but I have now managed to build it up in such a way that we have, for the first time in many years, as far as I’m aware, an East Renfrewshire venue.

“Street League makes a difference. Everybody who comes along keeps in touch and we have a good success rate.”

Participants will be supported with travel expenses and receive a free Nike t-shirt.

There may also be the chance to benefit from talks with guest speakers.

Recently, the Street League team organised an online meeting with Rangers striker Kemar Roofe.

Locally, the academy will be run by youth and community coach Brian Cameron and progressions co-ordinator Shan Marshall, who have previously helped many young people in West Dunbartonshire.

“Brian and Shan are brilliant at what they do,” added Omar. “They are a very successful team and I have brought them to East Renfrewshire because I know they will offer the young people an amazing service.

“Those who take part will go through an SQA verified qualification.

“There will be classroom workshop-based stuff to build up basics, from CVs to interview skills.”

To find out more or to sign up, call Brian on 0782 411 2545 or email Brian.cameron@streetleague.co.uk.