As Featured in
Serious and organised crime costs the UK economy £37 billion a year, according to the National Crime Agency. The number of black youth arrests in the UK has increased steadily over the last 10 years. This trend, if unchecked, will not only burden the taxpayers but also severely limit career and employment opportunities for black and minority ethnic talents.
Our Mission
MEM (Mentor Educate Motivate) Academy CIC is dedicated to its mission of utilising sports as a powerful tool to create opportunities for marginalised youths from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Our goal is to empower these young individuals to not only thrive but also become valuable and productive members of their communities.
We firmly believe that every young person deserves a chance to succeed and contribute positively to society. By focusing on sports as a vehicle for personal growth and development, we aim to provide a pathway for these marginalised youths to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
Building safer communities
Prevent anti-social behaviour
Prevent youth crime
Improving Young People’s Wellbeing
Reduce social isolation
Improve physical and mental wellbeing
Driving economic growth
Provide support and guidance to access accredited courses
Support to find employment
Support to start a self-employment business
Testimonials
“I was introduced to Derrick from MEM Academy CIC by Pavlos (Job Centre Plus staff in HMP Pentonville) . I told Pavlos I wanted to become a Personal Trainer after I was released from prison and he booked an appointment for me to meet and talk to Derrick. I was very inspired after talking to Derrick, he gave advice in goals I can achieve with a personal training qualification. I was released a week after and I received a phone call from Derrick to get on a personal [training] course. I have now enrolled and have been attending the course since my release over 2 months ago. Thanks to Pavlos for introducing me Derrick and the M.E.M. Academy. Hopefully I will receive my qualification as a personal trainer in a few months. ”
— Omar
Derrick, A very big Thank You, Thank You. You are an inspiration to the prisoners especially to Mr Reid who is ready to move forward and you have been a credit to him as it does work. I hope you can start working with him because your quote ‘I need you man’ has lifted him and I will say that he is very job ready. So again, THANK YOU and I am really looking forward to sending more referrals. You are an inspiration to me too”
— Eva Torres, Job Centre Plus, HMP Pentonville
“M.E.M Academy’s boxing and fitness sessions run on South Acton have proved very popular with young people at Bollo Brook Youth Centre. Derrick has managed to engage positively with young people who do not regularly engage in structured activities, and the feedback from the young people has been very positive. We hope to work with Derrick to make these sessions sustainable, as the demand is definitely there.
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— Colin Brent, Senior Youth Worker, Acton