in Philadelphia

BRIXTON Bugle

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Ollie Goodwin witnesses the start of a career that will begin by taking a local youngster from a Streatham youth club to a Philadelphia university

A packed out Streatham community hall waited getting and I’m so grateful for that.” with bated breath to find out where Peter Clarke, One of the things that struck me most about one of their own, was going in the USA to play Peter was how well he spoke. He’s a mature college football. person. At just 18 years old, with massive moves

“I’m happy to announce I’m choosing Temple like this happening around him, it would be easy College, Philadelphia, GO OWLS!”. The room to get lost in the bright lights. erupted into cheers and whoops. But he seems grounded, humble and driven to

This once young lad – who owes so much to take his career to the next step. the community around him – was going to the For him it’s because of where he comes from, big time. the people around him and how hard it’s been to

Peter grew up in Streatham. The Streatham get here. He isn’t ready to throw that all away. Youth Centre on Conyers Road where this was all “If you don’t stay grounded, you stop worktaking place is very close to his heart. ing,” he says. “If I stop working then I’d be right

Surrounded by his friends and family, he was back here where it all started, I want more than drafted to one of the top college football sides in that., I don’t know what else I would do. I’m living the States. There was also a host of NFL acad- the dream right now! I’m going to a division one emy coaches and heads watching over as an college, everything set up for me. up-and-coming tight end made a huge move “If I mess this up, I’m not just messing it up towards the professional game. for me. I’m messing it up for all the people who

“I started playing when I was 12/13,” Peter said. helped get me here. I’m messing it up for every-

“They ran a American football programme in one that comes from this area.” my school so I went there. I was naturally gifted. As Peter makes the next step; he strikes me

“The coach was like ‘look as someone who will always you should take this up’ so be looking back at where he’s he sent me to a grass roots come from; forever grateful to team – London Warriors up in those people that got him there. Selhurst. I played youth flag, But he knows what he wants youth contact and then got into and what it’s going to take to the academy. One thing led to get there. another, to another – and here “Obviously I want to make it we are today.” to the NFL. I haven’t come this

He’s a big lad. At 6 foot 6 far to stop now. I want to not and 235lbs he fits the tight end only play in the NFL but promould. It’s a role in American football that has a vide for my family and provide for my people.” bit of everything. Being big, quick and athletic As Peter moves on to the next step of what Peter had the perfect set-up. will hopefully be a successful career; he leaves

But that’s only half the battle and, through Streatham behind. hard work, dedication and a drive from within, But it will always be his home and a place that he’s worked his way up through the ranks. means so much to this promising youngster.

It certainly hasn’t been easy for the boy from A The Streatham Youth Centre is run by South London. The NFL academy here in London Streatham Youth & Community Trust charity has also been huge in helping him progress to which was founded in 1946. Its annual general the player he is today. He was surrounded by his meeting and awards take place on Monday 12 coaches and teammates as he made the next step. September from 6.30 to 9pm at its Conyers Road

“When I found out about getting offers from youth club. syct.org.uk

colleges I was very emotional,” he says. “I don’t come from the most privileged background. I came from a working class house, single parent household.

“If it wasn’t for my scholarship I wouldn’t be going to university. We didn’t have much, you know. So when I got that first offer from a college I literally cried. I was just so grateful. Every time a new offer came in I was so emotional.”

For an 18-year-old, the maturity Peter speaks with is truly amazing.

Standing in front of those that mean the most and helped him all the way, you could see the

‘If it wasn’t for my scholarship I wouldn’t be going to university’ love he has. But Peter also has that unquantifiable ability. His voice echoes as he stands with his shoulders back and chest out. Everything that comes out of his mouth comes from a genuine place. This community has supported him and helped get him to where he is today. “This place means so much to me. When I first arrived at this youth centre I didn’t have anything. No boots, no training kit, nothing. I came from that background. “But the youth centre got me boots, they got me my kit, they got me the stuff I had no way of

Scenes from the Brixton Cycles’ Madison at Herne Hill velodrome – a highlight of the racing season there. It showcased thrilling Madison racing (fa left) and more, with some of the UK’s best riders going head-to-head in exciting track cycling

Dulwich, fighting to the last, record a second win

Dulwich Cricket Club recorded only their second win of the season against Old Wimbledonians on Saturday 20 August.

They remained at the bottom of the table, but were equal on points with Wimbledonians and, like them, were just four points behind Beddington and nine behind Stoke D’Abernon.

Dulwich needed to win again away against Beddington on 27 August.