Get on Track: Reading 2010

Working in partnership with the John Madejski Academy, the DKH Legacy Trust's 'Get on Track' programme support disadvantaged young people recruited from across the Reading area.

The Comic Relief funded project ran for two months. The attendees were encouraged to learn new skills, improve their self-confidence and complete the experience with a more positive outlook on their futures.

Along with the help of their athlete mentors, the group were involved in volunteering projects throughout Reading.This included a visit to a local centre for autistic children and their families.

The final component of this 'Get on Track' saw the young people mark their success with a celebratory event held at Reading Football Club's Madejski Stadium. The evening was attended by a range of local employers who provided the young people with a route to employment, experience or training.

Two graduates from the programme secured positions with the Trust's partners Premier Sport, where they coached sport in local primary schools.

Sir John Madejski said: "It was a pleasure meeting these young people and discussing the opportunities they were given throughout 'Get on Track'. I cannot thank all the organisations who have been involved enough. 'Get on Track' is a brilliant project and I am so pleased that Dame Kelly and her charity, the DKH Legacy Trust, have supported young people in Reading."

One of the athlete mentors in Reading was Extreme Inline Skating world champion Jenna Downing. In speaking about the programme, Jenna said: "Seeing how well these young people have progressed over the two months has been great, even though it was a bit sad to see them finish because they were fantastic to work with.

"I know that thanks to the support and encouragement they received on 'Get on Track', they were able to move on and do some really good things with their lives."