The Greenhouse Effect

Passionate words from coach Renan Wiest at Greenhouse Sports, a game-changing charity which gives children facing disadvantages a boost thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players.

Greenhouse is helping more than 8,000 kids in need every year through running full-time school sports programmes across England.

The organisation’s free sports coaching and mentoring is already proving to be a winner. Children who attend an average of five days more in school - and 66% improve their behaviours within the first year of Greenhouse intervention.

Beatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO of Greenhouse Sports, said: “Growing up with a disadvantage can put a good childhood and education at risk, but youth workers and community projects like Greenhouse coaches engage young people and improve their life opportunities.

“We thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery for raising funds to support these vital interventions.”

Greenhouse Sports has become even more of a lifeline during the current economic crisis.

While many children are looking forward to fun summer holiday activities, some families struggle with poverty, job security and financial instability. It means some youngsters have limited access to sports and other recreational activities.

That is even more prevalent in less affluent areas facing issues of social deprivation - increased crime rates, reduced access to good education and widespread health problems.

There is also an increase in the closure of youth clubs and, in some cases, headteachers are dipping into their pockets to support school sports activities.

But the charity is levelling the playing field with programmes in 20 London boroughs, Portsmouth and Leicester.

And £ 3.5 million raised by People's Postcode Lottery players is helping the charity give disengaged, vulnerable or disadvantaged children a chance to shine through teamwork and physical activity.

Renan, who grew up in Brazil, is a firm believer in using the power of sport to improve youngsters’ lives. He uses his experience as a professional table tennis player to coach and mentor young people in London.

He drives them to explore their aspirations and realise their full potential. But he is concerned about the growing pressures they can face in their communities.

The rising cost of living also means parents and guardians are forced to take on extra jobs to get by, which further restricts the time they spend with their families.

Renan said: “There is a greater need for mentorship, coaching and practical advice. Young people increasingly face challenging situations at home.”

Sayna, a spirited 15-year-old girl coached by Renan, said: “The best part of having a coach in my life is that he taught me so many things that I can use in table tennis and outside of table tennis in my day-to-day life.

“The fact that I know Greenhouse always has my back helps keep me grounded, and I think it would help many other kids as well."

Sayna now competes in national table tennis championships and is excited about the opportunities ahead.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Postcode Active Trust recognises that sports coaching provides structure, teamwork, goal-setting and mutual respect, all of which can lead to a sense of achievement for young people.

“It is great to see the valuable experiences offered by Greenhouse Sport’s initiative is helping our youth access opportunities that may have otherwise been unavailable to them.”

So far, over £1.1 billion has been raised by players to support good causes.