Urban Synergy, an award-winning social mobility charity, has recently expressed their support for golf as a sport for young people. Although they believe that the sport has potential, they also believe that more can be done to attract a more diverse group of participants.
According to CEO and Founder Leila Thomas, there were some concerns from supporters when Urban Synergy announced their Golf Day fundraiser last year. Some questioned whether the sport was diverse enough for the charity’s mission. However, Thomas believes that golf can offer unique benefits to young people, such as networking, team building, and exposure to nature and fresh air.
The Golf Day event, which takes place on May 16th, will see 10 young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds play alongside business executives from some of the UK’s largest companies. Last year, the young participants were able to make valuable connections and gain new opportunities while networking with Urban Synergy’s corporate partners.
Founded in 2007, Urban Synergy has supported over 27,000 young people in reaching their full potential. The charity introduces them to relatable role models, provides access to mentors, and prepares them for further education, work, internships, and apprenticeships.
However, research by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and IPSOS shows that only 4% of on-course golfers are from ethnic minority backgrounds, despite making up 13% of the British population. Thomas believes that golf can be a way to help young people overcome barriers and connect them to well-paying job opportunities, particularly in the financial sector.
Thomas cites the success story of four boys aged 14, who were part of the government’s London Challenge Programme and were at risk of underachievement and exclusion. With the help of Urban Synergy, they were able to find mentors, work experiences, and eventually all graduated from university. Today, they hold prominent positions in various industries, including SEO management, banking, and sound design.
Urban Synergy’s Golf Day 2024 will take place at The Shire London in Barnet, North London, and will feature a team led by boxing legend John Conteh and players from companies such as Falco Construction Limited, London Stock Exchange Group, and more.
If you are a journalist interested in attending the event or interviewing Leila Thomas or any other participants, please contact media@urbansynergy.com or call 00447711331127. Black British golfers will also be present and available for interviews.
Urban Synergy aims to inspire, guide, and ignite the ambitions of students and young people aged 9-24 by introducing them to relatable role models in their schools and connecting them with mentors and industry-leading companies.
The Shire London, a north London golf club designed by the late Seve Ballesteros, believes in breaking traditional barriers in golf and promoting inclusivity. They have no clubhouse dress code and often host events that showcase the sport’s diversity.
This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
