Michael, 17

'I was fifteen when I realised I really had a chance to make it as a professional'

Michael was born in and grew up around Brixton Hill. He has always lived around the area, and went to Primary School in Tulse Hill, followed by Secondary School in Upper Norwood and then Barking College.

It was when Michael was about 13 that he started to get into football through some local football clubs. And just two years later he realised that he had a chance to make it as a professional footballer. He now plays with Dagenham and Redbridge Youth Team, where he has been for a year. At the age of just seventeen, he is looking forward to a career as a professional footballer.

"My speed was the reason why my managers thought they could utilise me. I sent in a CV of myself and went for a trial and they were impressed. It took me a few years to get better but I was probably about fifteen when I realised I really had a chance to make it as a professional .I'll carry on doing what I'm doing for now but there are a few clubs that are interested in me."

"I couldn't have done this without the support of a few key people, who encouraged me along the way. In particular Winston Kelly and the staff from the Jason Euell club in Beckenham really made me realise I could do it. Young people need an older head to guide them and somone to believe in them - a lot of people in my area wouldn't necessarily get that chance."

A positive youth image

Michael has also been a member of Lambeth's Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) since March of last year. The group of young people allocates funding to positive youth projects across the borough, from youth clubs to dance classes.

He says "I just wanted to be more involved in the community. I see this as a way to help the youth where I am from. I am a young person and I knew I could have a positive affect on them. In the YOF we assess bids from other young clubs, do conferences and generally try and put out a positive youth image."

"When I was younger I used to feel quite unsafe but I think it's calmed down a bit now, and also now I'm older I understand things a bit more. Speaking to other young people about it has helped, and groups like the YOF also help you realise there are a lot of positive things going on too."

"Some youth need more confidence - if they get hope and encouragement from older heads that will instil belief in them to go on and achieve. Youth activities for young people are a really good idea - they need to have a place to go to without walking round on the streets. Also, If they have guidance and an interest in something, like football, or dance, or whatever it is, that's all they need. There's a lot of talent out there but they just need the chance - no one seems to go out there much to find it, which is what we are trying to change."

Michael, 17

A positive youth image

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