I was there about two years ago for two years. I never really went to school, didn’t like it, but Sparkplug was great, I was their best rider.
I reckon I’d be in the nick if I didn’t go there back then. I’m a scaffolder now. I got all my certificates. Charlie Bryant, age 19
SPARKPLUG is a community youth project whose objective is to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour while increasing self-esteem and employability among its members.
The initial strategy is to use motorcycles and mechanics to engage young people; however its longer term approach will be to broaden its range of activities to include exposure to all aspects of the motor industry.
Experience has shown that one of the most popular pastimes that kids are attracted to relates to “motors” – whether they are in the form of scooters, moped, motorcycles, go-karts or automobiles.
If you can ride it or drive it, “it” holds a special fascination for the younger generation. But their love of “bikes” and “cars” can go much further if we open up their horizons to all aspects of the motor trade.
Riding/driving may be the most popular attribute of motors, but repairing, customizing, designing, building and even selling are all areas which we feel will present opportunities for future development. Opportunities to build confidence and self-esteem.