Under the Arch - Hearts of Talent
“Don’t you ever wonder why you know the words to the song ‘Morning Has Broken’?’"
This was a question I put to my infant school sidekick, Andy, after unexpectedly being put together on someone else’s phone call during summer 2021.
I hadn’t seen or spoken to Andy since we were teenagers on the same estate, but I jogged his memory, and he immediately answered, “oh shit, Cec, yes!”
Aged 5 or 6, Andy, another evil genius David, and I were lined up to sing by the Headmistress because she said we had angelic voices (it was probably intended as a punishment for being on the roof… again). Our rendition in assembly had been stamped into my brain ever since. I pulled a file in Andy’s brain, and it all came back (including other stuff 2 ‘lively’ kids would maybe prefer to forget), but I think that first performance also gave me a bit of a buzz and perhaps sparked a passion.
At 7, I was carrying a candle in a walk-on part as an angel in the nativity play, and then I was off. Recorder lessons and a dreadful assembly performance. No matter, on to guitar, downsizing for a bit after pleading with mum on my passion for a ukulele (erm… yeah…) when the school started lessons. That lasted only a few months.
A few bit parts in school plays, a member of the Country Dancing after-school club (shhh), front row in our ‘Chorus Line’ production (which somehow made BBC’s 9 o Clock News??). Playing tenor in the steel band and then, in the last year of primary school, a lead role as the ‘Word Wizard’ in an adaptation of The Phantom Tollbooth.
By age 15, inspired by Musical Youth’s chart success, I formed what was the world’s worst reggae band. The funniest part of my recollection of the (no name) band was, after all my exposure to music, I was the only one in the band who couldn’t play a single note! The real talent, Richard (drums), Gary (lead guitar) and Derek (bass), would perform in different bands for years later, and Don was happy to limit his thing to the piano in his living room.
In the interests of the public, I hung up my ukulele.
However, what those years of rehearsals and stage appearances did for me was build a level of self-confidence that undoubtedly confused many people during my childhood. Appearing in front of your peers, teachers, parents, and strangers can be hugely challenging for most kids, and loads who were gifted with talents that I didn’t have, have probably made far fewer stage appearances than me.
Time and again in my earlier years, I was encouraged or even shoved to the front by adults who recognised that confidence wasn’t my issue, that there was maybe some nugget of talent buried somewhere. As much as some teachers tried to put the cap back on the bottle, I don’t remember ever being scared to put myself in front of anyone, really. It started with Morning Has Broken.
The Side Door
Hearts of Talent (HOT) was set up to impact and reduce youth violence; but rather than putting up signs, distributing leaflets, bringing police officers or ex-gang members with the regular fare of ‘don’t do this’ or ‘don’t do that’, they’re coming through the side door, something I believe in.
I’m still to ever meet someone who’s made a dedicated journey from childhood to adulthood with the aim of being involved in violent crime. It tends to be the outcome of a myriad of circumstances that start that journey.
Something that can divert away from this is discovering you have a talent or a passion for something you can invest yourself in.
Not only did I have an illustrious stage career ;), but I was invested in so many sports, arts and creative activities as a kid that my diary was so packed every week I didn’t have space to think about some other ‘stuff’.
Consequently, I’ve always believed that if you get young people plugged into something they want to do, a passion, it can become so tied to their life that they don’t want to lose it or miss out on it.
HOT has focused on young peoples’ passion to express via the performing arts. It’s a side door to creating a dialogue between them, supportive adults and potential mentors who can help build that self-confidence help raise self-esteem so that they don’t feel they have to make some of the choices people are worried they’re having to make.
Bringing HOT into partnership with the FA was a fantastic opportunity to bring young talent to the stage at Wembley. The Stadium is a part of the UK outdoor music scene, hosting concerts, festivals, and some of the largest live music events the UK has ever seen. Coincidentally, the folk at the FA had told me many times that they wanted to impact youth crime. So they shared something - purpose.
‘Yeah, we also work with the FA.’
Led by Jasmine Dale, and with a really dedicated group of people who give their time to this purpose, HOT has been working with the FA for about a year now.
They’ve also since received support from companies such as Clear Channel, BBC London, BoxPark, and several others who have lent their professional skill set to HOT’s purpose.
It goes without saying that the relationship with the FA has been very helpful in opening new doors and creating these new relationships.
And what does partnership make possible?
Partnering with the HOT means Wembley Stadium’s efforts are clearly purposed towards their wider objectives. Key to the partnership is the final annual show that will be held at Wembley Stadium, with the FA participating in the judging.
‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’
20 young people will also get tours of the Stadium and its operations, and 200 young people will receive match day tickets via HOT.
And, of course, Slenky is providing HOT a hub to supercharge their reach. Morning has broken.
#achangeisgonnacome
Next up: Jason Roberts Foundation
