From a Simple Ask to an Unforgettable Experience

Most days at Te Tahi Youth are pretty eventful, but some moments are downright unforgettable. This was one of those times - a true example of "you never know until you ask."

BJ, one of our dedicated Youth Coaches, reached out to a teammate to see if a connection with the Canterbury Crusaders could create a special moment for one of his young people with a passion for rugby. A message was sent, and the response was almost instant: "Absolutely."

Less than five days later, 12-year-old Jesse was walking the Captain's Walk at the stadium, just one day before the Crusaders faced off against the Reds. For Jesse, it was a dream come true - an experience that had him "bouncing off the walls the whole weekend."

Referred to Te Tahi Youth by his mum, Jesse is a keen athlete who plays multiple sports, with rugby being his main focus. With dreams of one day playing professionally for the Crusaders, this opportunity allowed him to rub shoulders with professional athletes and witness firsthand how they prepare for the big game. To top it off, the Crusaders generously provided tickets for Jesse and his whānau to attend the game, creating lasting memories for them all.

The generosity didn’t stop there. Te Tahi Youth rangatahi also had the honour of forming the Guard of Honour and received tickets for multiple young people and their families to enjoy the game.

This experience was truly invaluable for Jesse and one that will stay with him for a lifetime. But what makes stories like Jesse's possible is the dedication and commitment of our Youth Coaches. While experiences like this don't happen every day, our coaches work closely with each ākonga throughout an entire school term. They aim to elevate engagement levels, enhance outcomes, and strengthen ties to vital support services. By addressing the underlying causes of disengagement from learning and providing early intervention, they help young people like Jesse reconnect with their passions and build a brighter future.

Our Youth Coaches support rangatahi aged 12-21 who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education, training, or employment. Many of these young people are in need of increased wellbeing support, may have limited family support, or a lack positive role models. Others may be struggling with acceptance or feeling isolated from their peers.

If you know a young person who could benefit from this programme or are unsure if they meet the criteria, reach out to Gary. We're happy to chat and help them take the first step toward positive change.