Why it matters: The project is another example of the power of sport in uniting communities and creating positive change.
Breaking down barriers: About 90% of the participants were from Ipswich's Roma and Gypsy community, with others from Portuguese and various other backgrounds.
Community lead Mark Straw compared the experience to previous work: "Working with the Roma/Gypsy community in Maple Park has been different in terms of maturity and engagement. Although the kids are the same age, they have a higher level of maturity, likely due to the experiences they've had."
The big picture: The initiative has revealed unexpected strengths within the community, particularly among young participants who often serve as interpreters for their families.
One young participant shared: "Sometimes I have to help my parents with letters because they don't understand the words, but I like doing it."
Another enthusiastically added: "I want to do this every week."
Behind the scenes: The project faced several challenges:
Limited space with up to 50 people using the court simultaneously
Initial difficulty building trust with parents
Shorter daylight hours affecting evening sessions
Deserved recognition: The project, which also ran sessions in Chantry, won Innovative Project of the Year at the Active Suffolk Awards.
The formal event showcased various sporting initiatives across Suffolk
Two young project participants attended as guests of honour
They shared their experiences with Active Suffolk directors
Speaking to Ipswich.co.uk, Director and Head Coach at Sport Sense Anton Dixon proudly said: "They represented themselves brilliantly—confidently navigating the formal setting, engaging with other guests, and sharing their experiences. They really did us proud."
Looking ahead: Suffolk Police and project organisers are now working to establish long-term sporting provisions for the community. Confirmation has been received that floodlights will be turned on in the evenings, addressing one of the key challenges faced during the project.
Bottom line: The award-winning project has shown how sport can unite communities – with its young participants proving to be its greatest ambassadors both on and off the court.
