Take it to the Streets helps more young Queenslanders

The program gives Queenslanders aged between 13 and 18 free training and coaching in 3x3 basketball, 3v3 soccer, pickleball, Boxfit and Esports in their local community.

The sports help break down barriers and build confidence in youth who are experiencing difficulties or are at risk of engaging in antisocial behaviour.

“It’s really clear to see that the struggles that some young people face can impact how they participate in their community,” says Queensland Police Acting Inspector Lester Brooks.

“By giving them activities and helping them make better choices we’re always going to be able to get some better outcomes for them as they grow older.”

Take it to the Streets delivered by Made Concepts, recently wrapped up a successful run in Boondall’s Mulbean Park, with further activities held at Zillmere in December and January, Bracken Ridge from January to March, North Lakes from March to May and Chermside from May to June.

“Around the community right now, accessibility to infrastructure and to regular sporting activities is hard to find. So, we take it to the streets. We take these programs to the young people and communities, where this engagement is needed or required, and we’re able to engage the community in profound ways,” says Project Lead and former 3x3 FIBA professional basketballer, Deola D’Brown.

Participants also benefit from a mentoring program that helps increase their confidence, emotional regulation, mental wellbeing and engagement with their community.

“We’ve seen the growth. We’ve had some young folks who were not able to speak confidently when we started this program, now they’re down there on the mics! They’re MCing the programs and calling out scoreboards,” explains Deola D’Brown.

More than 130 young people aged 13 to 18-years-old have participated in the program so far, with an average of 22 participants per session.

The program is supported by the Youth Development Partnership Fund, a statewide initiative delivered in collaboration between the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland Police Service.

The program uses the positive power of sport to engage with young people, connect them with important support services, improve their physical and mental health and supports connection to the wider community.

The Queensland Government has previously supported MADE Concepts to deliver 3x3 basketball events to more than 2000 participants across Queensland including Townsville, Cairns, Yarrabah, Bundaberg, Roma, the Gold Coast, Logan and Toowoomba.

For more information on the Youth Development Partnership Fund, please visit https://www.sport.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/youth-development-partnership-fund

For more information on Take it to the Streets or MADE Concepts, please visit www.madeconceptspty.com