Martin Willis Founder and Project Leader of the well-known local youth charity SPARKPLUG announced a new exciting programme for young people in the Caledonian Ward, Islington – a Karting Project that will focus on repair, construction and driving small motorized “go-karts.”

SPARKPLUG is a community youth project whose objective is to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour while increasing self-esteem and employability among its members.  Its initial strategy is to use motorcycles and mechanics to engage young people; however its longer term approach will be to broaden its range of activities to include exposure to all aspects of the motor industry.

Launched formally on 13 March, the new Karting Programme will run Friday nights from 1800 to 2100 hours at SPARKPLUG’s facilities in Bingfield Park.  The Program will focus on youngsters 12 years and over from the local area.  In addition to the “in-house” sessions there will also be two “driving” days on Saturdays each month.  Volkan Kadir an experienced kart mechanic and driver will be leading this Project.

SPARKPLUG Founder, Martin Willis commented about how this project originated by saying, “We had three karts from other youth provisions sitting in a container for a year and a half.  We thought we could expand our traditional work on scooters and mini-bikes and The Youth Opportunities Fund agreed by awarding Ben Walker one of our young Youth Workers £6,700 to begin the Project.”

Ben, a former attendee at SPARKPLUG while growing up, has now advanced to become one if the Projects lead Youth Workers.  He put in a bid to launch this new programme in January 09 and it was accepted.  The new Project is off to a successful start.  On the first night 43 young people arrived to sign up.

Local Caledonian Ward Councillor Paul Convery added his endorsement by saying, “This is exactly the kind of initiative we want to see, local people working to expand and improve their own local services.  Good work Ben and special thanks to Martin who has fostered the kind of environment to encourage those around him to make things happen.  We have big plans for SPARKPLUG and fully support their work in the community.”

This is another of SPARKPLUG’s user-led projects which engage young people in the area who feel they have nothing to do after school and on the weekends.  SPARKPLUG’s continued success re-enforces the idea that motors and mechanics are two of the most successful tools that can provide young people not only with an entertaining pastime, but also actual experience in group dynamics, and usable skills.

Naturally funds for this and SPARKPLUG’s other projects are limited and Martin hopes to keep this new programme running as long as possible on its limited budget.  He hopes that others will recognize the work being done and support SPARKPLUG’s work through donations and “support in kind.”

For more information, please contact Mr. Martin Willis, Founder and Project Leader at SPARKPLUG at (0207) 619-9229 or m.willis@thesparkplug.org.  You can find out more about the work that SPARKPLUG does in the local community at: www.thesparkplug.org.

SPARKPLUG continues to look for experienced volunteers to help engage its young members and graciously accepts donations via http://www.thesparkplug.org/donate.htm.