Youth Dreams Project create and give away 10,000 puzzle books to children in Peterborough

The Youth Dreams Project was founded seven years ago by ex-Peterborough based footballers Luke Kennedy and Luke Steele with the aim to inspire and motivate young people through delivering high standard sports coaching.

Over the Christmas break, however, with the third lockdown looming, Luke Kennedy had a vision to create the puzzle book.

YDP had done a lot to help the children improve their physicality over the course of the year, including holding successful summer camps, but he wanted something to challenge them mentally.

Recognising the huge impact the lockdowns were having on children’s mental health, Luke teamed up with Kevin Semple from Paragon Customer Communication to create a puzzle book filled with a variety of challenges from word searches to maths questions, there is even a section for children to write down their aspirations. It’s been designed to include features that the children are familiar with, including pictures of their YDP coaches, making it relatable and exciting to complete.

10,000 of these complimentary books have now been delivered to 28 primary schools in the city, with vulnerable children and children of key workers already getting to enjoy the books and the rest of the students to receive theirs on their return to the classroom on Monday (March 8).

Victoria Redhead, Head Teacher at Bishop Creighton Academy, said: “YDP always go that extra mile! I cannot wait to get them out to our pupils”.

City of Peterborough Academy, added: “YDP are the true meaning of a community partner with

these free puzzle books for students. Kids first – everything else later!”

YDP also launched an inter-school challenge, during the latest lockdown, to promote the importance of keeping active and to continue the all-important competitive spirit alive.

The winning school, Hampton College Primary School, travelled a whopping distance which was the equivalent of walking from Hampton to Southern Italy.

To help children who are remote learning, YDP are offering a variety of different sessions on their YouTube live channel to keep children active every single day.

To access these sessions, click here.