Children’s charity Denis Law Legacy Trust has launched Denis Law’s Academy, a new programme inspired by its patron Denis Law CBE to promote the development of Aberdeen’s young people.
The programme, named after the only Scotsman to have ever won the prestigious Ballon d’Or, will aim to support young people through personal, professional and wellbeing development to help shape their future aspirations.
Supported by The Wood Foundation and run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, Denis Law’s Academy has seen several successful early participants – each engaging in 1-1 support and personal development plans based around the needs and future aspirations of young people.
Rhys Jones, Community Coordinator, Denis Law Legacy Trust said “Denis Law’s Academy has been co-designed with young people, for young people. Through this programme, we want to support young people to be the best they can be by creating an environment where we reduce barriers to success and give them control of their development. Our ambition is to empower young people, raise aspiration and give them the space to exceed their own expectations.”
Alison Maclachlan, UK Director, The Wood Foundation said “We are delighted to be supporting Denis Law’s Academy. The relationships and trust that the team establish and nurture with young people are incredibly powerful, so it makes sense for those trusted adults to support participants with their next steps towards positive futures.”
“We are excited to learn from the pilot and understand how we can better empower young people to realise their potential and ambitions.”
Lynn Kilbride, Mark Williams, Rhys Jones, The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Kelsey Seivwright, Alison Maclachlan and Scott McGinigal
One of those pilot participants was long-time Denis Law Legacy Trust participant and volunteer, Kelsey Seivwright. Kelsey joined the Trust on a year-long placement and during her time with the charity, played a vital role in shaping and informing the programme.
Kelsey Seivwright said “Denis Law’s Academy has had a positive impact on my confidence and communication skills. I am now able to speak to new people and feel more confident in myself whilst doing this, thanks to the programme."
Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust said “We are delighted to launch our third pillar of programming which will see Denis Law’s Academy joining our existing successful Streetsport and CLUB 10 programmes that help make a positive difference to young people in Aberdeen City.”
“Denis Law’s academy will enable the Trust to deliver innovative, personalised pathways to help more young people shape and achieve their goals. something we continuously strive to do as a charity.”
Denis Law Legacy Trust is a registered charity that operates and delivers a number of free to access programmes and positive destination activities for young people in Aberdeen.
Primarily through Streetsport, which is run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, the Trust aims to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour; improve health and wellbeing; and encourage inclusivity through sport, physical activity and creative endeavour.
For more information on Denis Law’s Academy, please visit: https://www.denislawlegacytrust.org/denis-laws-academy