THE ‘PF’ FACTOR

LOCSP Press Release: Friday 17 April 2009

THE ‘PF’ FACTOR

Last Wednesday Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) took 50 young people from Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Barking and Redbridge to the Royal Fusiliers Army Barracks in Hounslow for the ‘PF Factor’.

The ‘PF Factor’ is based on the popular television show, The Krypton Factor, and involved teams from across the Positive Futures projects that LOCSP run in London.

Young people had the opportunity to participate in a cross-borough six-a-side football tournament whilst learning about the life of a soldier.

Most of those in attendance hadn’t travelled to the other side of London, but quickly settled once at the barracks. Upon arrival the youngsters were given a tour of the site, whilst learning about what a day in the life of a soldier entails.

A question and answer session about the Army then followed before a hearty soldiers lunch in the canteen, the high quality of which surprised some of the young people present!

After lunch the young people were given a choice of a six-a-side football tournament – which was won by ‘SL Camp’ from Stratford - or laser clay pigeon shooting.

Paul Motion, LOCSP Development Officer said:
“All the young people here today have all made the effort to come up to me and say how much fun they have all had.

“During the question and answer session they asked some really good questions about how they can pursue a career in the British Army.

“It has really worked well today and the Army have really pushed the boat out to make us feel welcome – we are already planning the next visit.”

Army Recruitment Officer Sergeant Steve Falconer said:
“This is a great way to get young people to have a look at what the Army is all about.

“It is all very well us coming to visit the young people at football tournaments or at their schools, but today has given them an opportunity to see us at work in our environment.

“Next time the young people come down we will look to give them more of an army-based day, with assault courses, for example.

“Today has been a great success and this is just the first of many more.”

For more information about please contact Shamajul Motin on 020 8556 5973, email shamajul.motin@locsp.org or visit http://www.locsp.org/