'The Way things should be done' - I visited a Wolverhampton Youth Zone on its 10th birthday for an inspiring evening of activities and heart-warming stories
'A place to be yourself, try new things and feel accepted.'
That is the motto at the top of the website for The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday after first opening its doors to youngsters from across the city and wider Black Country area in January 2016.
The Youth Zone hosted a 'Big Birthday Bash' at its School Street site in the city centre on Tuesday, February 24, inviting local authority figures, fundraisers, commercial partners and the media along to showcase the very best of their work.
Upon arrival I was greeted by two charming young men, Cayden and Kamyri, who kindly offered to take me on a tour of the place. I asked them to start it by showing me their favourite thing to do while there, so off to the outdoor five-a-side football pitch we went.
Also known as the MUGA (multi-use games area), this outdoor space offers youngsters an ideal place to let off some steam and enjoy some physical activity regardless of the weather. On a trip to The Way in 2021, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge showed their sporty side and took part in archery, table-tennis and football games there.
Around 80 children were invited to the Big Birthday Bash, a tiny portion of the over 21,000 youngsters that have come through the doors and contributed more than 400,000 visits to the centre in the last decade.
