To help celebrate the annual Action Day as part of the National Citizenship Service (NCS) the Leeds United Foundation teamed up with Yorkshire Cricket and Leeds Rugby to transform Beeston Juniors Football Club.
Coaches from the club’s official charity along with youngsters who have graduated from the NCS programme dedicated a full week at the local football club, located in the shadows of Elland Road, to help create a mural with the help of avid Leeds United supporter and artist Burley Banksy.
The young participants from all three delivery partners took part in the project together, helping to create the fantastic artwork design with Burley Banksy and then working together to paint the building, of course using the three colours that represent Leeds United - white, yellow and blue.
The aim of the project was to create a bright and positive mural that could be seen by many people in the community and included motivational and encouraging messages to help inspire those playing at the club or simply walking past.
The youngsters taking part were excited to be a part of the special initiative, turning the plain brick wall into something eye-catching, and the coaches were on hand to ensure that everyone had fun throughout the week.
Karla Ryan, Leeds United Foundation NCS Recruitment and Engagement Officer, said: “We had lots of fun painting, listening to music, getting to know one another more and we had a lot of hot chocolate to help keep us warm. We were all so happy to have been able to make a difference in the local community and hopefully we’ve helped to provide them with a sense of hope just by adding a licker of paint.”
Burley Banksy spoke to LUTV during the transformation period as well, he added: “It has been fantastic to work with these kids to transform a building that was looking a bit tired into something so bright and colourful for the local community. It really has given the community here something great to celebrate and the hard work the young people put in really shines through.”
Please look below at some of the feedback received from the youngsters involved:
“It has been really good working as a team.” – Jess
“I feel proud that I have been able to do this and inspire other people in the community to take part in projects.” – Jakaila
“It’s made me feel more relaxed and I’m really proud of what we achieved.” – Luke
“It has been nice to get away from revision and do something in the community. It’s felt really therapeutic.” – Maryam
So, if you are out and about in Beeston, why not go and take a look at the mural?
For more information on the work the Leeds United Foundation deliver with NCS throughout the year, please contact [email protected].
