princes-trust.org.uk/sport09Kirsty Gower from Bridport didn't like school and left with few qualifi cations. She moved into supported accommodation and joined an Entry to Employment programme to gain some skills, but she couldn't fi nd work, so her confi dence ebbed away.Kirsty, 17, heard about Get Started with Sailing through her key worker. "I was a little apprehensive - I didn't know what to expect and I wasn't sure what the other people would be like, but I'm glad I did it," she says. "I really enjoyed meeting new people, learning new skills and team bonding."Kirsty's self-esteem grew following the course. "I'd love to go sailing again and to mentor new participants, because I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities," she says. "Everyone was encouraged to do their best. I want to pass that on to other young people."Now, Kirsty is participating in the Team programme with The Prince's Trust, and has a new-found motivation and zest for life: "I've made new friends and learned new skills. I'm so glad I had this opportunity."Opportunity 2012 is a scheme set up by The Prince's Trust, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Home Offi ce's Positive Futures project to get 500 young people across the UK inspired by the values of the London 2012 Olympic Games.500young people will be helped by the Opportunity 2012 scheme by SeptemberI LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF AND MY CAPABILITIES princes-trust.org.uk/opportunity2012

10The Result / Giving young people a sporting chanceLeeds United FC striker Ross McCormack joined 13 unemployed young people from Yorkshire and the Humber who were taking part in The Prince's Trust Get Started with Football course, run by the Leeds United Foundation.During his session, Ross gave the group a motivational talk before answering questions about his career. He said: "This course is ideal for young people who are interested in football but lack the confi dence to fi nd work."During the fi ve-day course, the group received training in football coaching and were taught how to run coaching sessions. On the course was our cover star, 18 year-old Amy Quinn from Leeds, who left school with few qualifi cations after struggling with behavioural and mental health problems. She was placed in a number of hospitals and units across the country, and was turned away from home due to family issues. After staying in various hostels, Amy eventually secured her own council fl at, but she found it diffi cult to retrain in any form of education. She then started attending Leeds City College, doing three hours of voluntary work every week. It was here that her support worker, Michelle, mentioned the Get Started with Football course. Amy has always loved football and plays in an all-girls' football team, and she felt that this was an ideal opportunity to get into coaching.After starting the programme, Amy's confi dence rocketed. She had left her comfort zone and was working with people she had never met before. She found the programme hugely enjoyable and learned something new every day. Amy showed so much enthusiasm and skill while on the programme that she has been offered an apprenticeship with the Leeds United Foundation. "I now have a lot more confi dence, self-esteem and a sense of direction," Amy says. "I believe in myself and my abilities and that I have the potential to do what I want in life. If I hadn't attended The Prince's Trust programme, I would probably have been staying in bed all day with no motivation or direction."I would help support anyone who is thinking of completing a Prince's Trust course," she adds. "It has changed my life."Ross McCormack (backrow, fourth from left)with The Prince's Trustgroup at Leeds United'sElland Road stadiumON THE BALL of young people helped by the Football Initiative in 2011 have progressed into education, employment or further training81% Young people in Yorkshire get involved in football coachingCover story