Youth off the Streets Partnership
Some of the YOTS Pickleball players with David.
Over the past six months, Collective Leisure have been hosting a weekly pickleball session for Youth Off The Streets in Maroubra. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to community engagement and youth development.
Youth Off The Streets is an incredible charity dedicated to supporting young people by creating safe environments and providing opportunities for them to build positive futures. The organisation works to offer a range of services, from housing and education to counselling and outreach programs, all aimed at helping young people overcome challenges and realise their potential.
Our CEO, David Burns, has been personally involved in these pickleball sessions, bringing his hands-on leadership approach to the initiative. By participating directly, David ensures that the sessions are not only fun and engaging but also foster a sense of community and support among the participants.
Sport, and pickleball in particular, serves as a powerful tool to break down barriers and build connections. It offers young people a chance to develop new skills, improve their physical health, and gain confidence. Through these weekly sessions, we're not just teaching a sport; we're helping to create a positive, supportive environment where young people can thrive.
This partnership with Youth Off The Streets exemplifies the transformative potential of community-based sports programs. By providing a regular, structured activity, we aim to offer stability and a positive outlet for the youth involved. As we continue to collaborate with Youth Off The Streets, we look forward to seeing more young people benefit from the opportunities and support these sessions provide.
“This year, David from Collective Leisure has been facilitating a weekly sports program at The Bowen College. David's patience and sense of humour have been instrumental in creating a non-competitive and fun environment, encouraging our students to get active and enjoy the benefits of sports.
Pickleball has been a perfect activity for our young people to learn and enjoy. Additionally, our basketball practice sessions with David led us to victory at the Youth Off The Streets Basketball Gala Day, where we won the trophy. This achievement brought immense therapeutic joy to our school community!”
-Yasmin Schubach, YOTS