Finding Fun and Confidence at Unique Community Hub: Afraa’s Story

"My name is Afraa and I live in Halifax with my family. I don't go to any clubs because my dad can be too busy and says I can just play in the street, and my mum doesn't drive.

Before joining Unique Community Hub, I wasn't very active, and I only walked to and from school.

I struggle with paying attention, and I don't really enjoy learning at school, but I always have lots of energy, and I get frustrated because I'm always so bored.

This is the first girls' club in our area, and I absolutely love it!

When I first joined Unique Community Hub, I hated it because we had to run two laps around the field every session. I used to find it so hard and boring.

At first, I found it so weird and boring because I was not used to any of it. But now I've made lots of new friends and we walk around the field all the time. The staff always ask us what activities we want to do, and then we try something different every week.

I never used to be sporty, but now I play football, bench ball, rugby and badminton. I didn't really enjoy rugby, but I am getting very good at football. I also love doing fitness in the gym, and I know how to use the machines too.

My favourite machine is the treadmill, and I like going uphill.

Over time, I started to get more and more involved, and the staff told me how good I was at football and running. Now I look forward to coming every week.

I didn't enjoy walking before because I always travelled by car whenever I went out. But now we have competitions to see who can do the most laps, so I love beating my friends and winning a prize from the Golden Box.

I’m not as lazy now and I sleep better too because I’m always tired when I go home. I’ve also made lots of new friends who also enjoy being active. I even go to the park on Saturdays now to keep moving."