Patrons Message
“Many of the problems faced by young British kids who live in areas of recognised deprivation and who are at risk of exclusion from main stream education are very similar to the conditions that were rife in inner city areas of the USA during my early years.
The full potential of many young kids, who came from a range of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds were often held back by the difficult and often violent social environment in which they lived. Many were unable to escape from a street culture that revolved around crime, drugs and anti social behavior because there were no positive activities or opportunities available to young kids.
When my close friend Coach Dale Brown told me about the good job being done in London by the Barnet Bulldogs. I felt certain this was a program that could really make a positive difference to a young persons life.
I have been fortunate to have has a successful basketball career, but I only achieved this because some special people believed in me when I was young . If by becoming Patron of the Barnet Bulldogs and their Young Leaders Sports Academy I can help young kids in Barnet towards a positive future then, because of the opportunities they have created for young people, I am more than happy to give this project my full support and encouragement”
Shaquille o’Neal
The full potential of many young kids, who came from a range of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds were often held back by the difficult and often violent social environment in which they lived. Many were unable to escape from a street culture that revolved around crime, drugs and anti social behavior because there were no positive activities or opportunities available to young kids.
When my close friend Coach Dale Brown told me about the good job being done in London by the Barnet Bulldogs. I felt certain this was a program that could really make a positive difference to a young persons life.
I have been fortunate to have has a successful basketball career, but I only achieved this because some special people believed in me when I was young . If by becoming Patron of the Barnet Bulldogs and their Young Leaders Sports Academy I can help young kids in Barnet towards a positive future then, because of the opportunities they have created for young people, I am more than happy to give this project my full support and encouragement”
Shaquille o’Neal