Dream & Achieve in Wembley was established by Melissa Powell from Willesden
A charity set up to help youths in Brent affected by the postcode wars has received a cash boost from a social action programme.
Dream & Achieve, which enables young people in Wembley to compete in a seven-a-side football league tournament, has been given a £2,500 grant by O2 Think Big.
Established by Melissa Powell, from Willesden, the charity’s goal is to give young people a reason to stay off the streets and keep safe.
The football club has been a unifying step for youths in the area who are trying to avoid involvement in the postcode wars.
For the first time for many of them they have come together from postcodes all over Brent to play matches organised by Ms Powell.
The 24-year-old started Dream & Achieve using a £300 Think Big grant in February last year with two tournaments involving more than 80 people.
It became an instant success and Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North visited the youths over the summer and was thrilled with Ms Powell’s effort.
Ms Powell, who doesn’t play football herself but is a keen Arsenal fan, she said: “I was completely overwhelmed when I realised I would be getting funding for Dream & Achieve. This project is my biggest passion, and to know that I have approval and support is amazing.
“After the success of last year, I can’t wait to open the opportunity up to women, spend the money on new equipment, and put the word out so more people can sign up.”
O2’s Think Big supports young people such as Ms Powell all over the UK by transforming their creativity and passions into projects that benefit their local communities through money, support and training.
Bill Eyres, head of O2 Think Big, said: “Young people are brimming with ideas, passion and enthusiasm and we want to encourage all of that exciting creativity. That’s exactly what O2 Think Big is about. It is amazing to see what they have already achieved with the initial £300 grant, so we can’t wait to see this project develop to its full potential.
“We give bright young people the tools and help needed to grow their passion and ideas. Melissa impressed us with her commitment to making a real difference to her local community and we wish her every success in this incredible endeavour.”
More information about the charity visit www.dreamandachieve.co.uk.
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