Case Study: Robert Duncan

Robert Duncan, 23, heard about Street League through the F.A.R.E. Project (Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse), which aims to tackle community problems such as gang culture, and to support individuals and families in working towards a better life.

Robert says: “I was interested right away as I had the chance to play football during the day, and as I did nothing during the day it was good for me. My life was going nowhere, I had 2 kids to support, and every job I went for I never got, to be honest it was like hitting my head off a brick wall. I ended up doing all the wrong things such as, drinking, taking drugs, gang-fighting and laying about.

“Street League put a bit of structure into my day, as I joined the 12 week volunteer programme, and that was great for me, as it ran 3 days a week, meaning my days were taken up doing stuff, and gaining qualifications that would help me eventually get a job. It also helped me get away from the wrong things I was doing such as drinking during the day and taking drugs, as well as gang fighting at night. My confidence improved a lot, and I started staying in on a Friday night as I had joined the 11 a side team, so I wanted to be fresh for the games on the Saturday mornings. As well as all the other stuff, the Street League helped me to meet new people, and I now know more people from different areas that I didn’t know before.”

Since getting involved with Street League Robert has completed his Scottish F.A. Level 1 Early Touches and Development Activities coaching award, the Community Sports Leaders Award, and a number of other courses including Dealing with Conflict, First Aid, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, and Social Exclusion.

Robert adds: “After I finished the Volunteer Programme, the Volunteer Coordinator helped me get a part time youth work job with the F.A.R.E. Project. I worked there for about 7 months, and then moved into full time employment with a landscaping company, where I have been working for the past year. I plan to move on up in my job just now, or hopefully move onto a better job. I will also continue to play and train with Street League’s Development Squad.”