YMCA tees it up at Tilgate.

YMCA East Surrey teamed up with Tilgate Forest Golf Centre to introduce golf to teens and young adults, as part of their ‘Y Focus’ project.

The aim of the project is to support YMCA residents that are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), by encouraging them to re-engage with the community through sports and activities.

Charlotte Punt, Engagement Wellbeing Coordinator for YMCA East Surrey commented:

“The YMCA cannot thank the team at Tilgate Forest enough for their support with our residents during our recent half-term holiday. This term’s ‘Y Focus’ topic was sport & mental health, which went hand in hand with the golf taster sessions.”

The golf sessions were delivered by Lea Cooper, who heads up the golf academy team at Tilgate Forest. He explained:

“It’s brilliant that we are able to support this YMCA project. Our coaching team created an enjoyable learning environment, where residents could learn golf in an informative and fun way. They really embraced this over the course of this term – not only did they take everything onboard, but they showed real improvement as the sessions progressed. It’s been a pleasure to meet the residents and help them with their project. We look forward to continuing to offer our services to the YMCA in the future.”

Reflecting on the golf sessions, Charlotte continued:

“Lea has consistently been calm, patient, supportive and encouraging with the residents whilst providing fun & engaging golf sessions. The residents can be tricky at times, having been through various traumas in their lives and Lea has always managed them with empathy rather than judgement. This really has gone a long way to gain their trust.”

The coaching sessions were funded by Lex Leisure, the Community Interest Company that operates Tilgate Forest Golf Centre in partnership with Glendale Golf. Lex Leisure surpluses are used for their principal objective of supporting those who are disabled, physically or mentally, by promoting physical activity and social mobility.

Click here to find out more about YMCA East Surrey and how they are helping young people in the local community.