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Motorbike club helps kids stay on the right track
ExxonMobil at Fife Ethylene Plant is helping a charity which steers vulnerable and underprivileged youngsters towards a fulfilling future.
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- Kingdom Off Road offers disenfranchised teens the opportunity to try out the exciting
sport of offroad motorbiking in a bid to divert them from a possible pathway that could
lead them into trouble.
The charity provides low-cost access to equipment and off-road riding for young people from disadvantaged areas, using it as a means to influence positive change and promote health and development through motorcycle related activities.
The charity is being supported in its endeavours by the Mossmorran plant which has given the club a donation of £6000 towards several projects which are already showing positive results.
Their training sessions offer young people the opportunity to try motocross in a safe and controlled environment. Young People also have the chance to take part in motorbike repair workshops, motorbike events and volunteering which helps them develop skills, make new friends and build confidence.
The facility is currently based in Cardenden where it runs an extensive motocross track, kids track and a 2 mile Enduro loop, with sessions for children and adults of all ages and abilities.
Since the club began in 2002 in Levenmouth, it has seen hundreds of people taking part in its programmes, with many going on to become accomplished offroad riders, including some Scottish Champions.
David Paton, co-founder and Project Manager at Kingdom Off Road, said: “It is amazing that ExxonMobil could see the impact our club can have on young people and we are very grateful to them for this generous donation. “It will be used to help us take our projects forward and help more young people to be the best they can be. It will also help us to buy equipment for our bike repair sessions and we are very excited about the future.”
Lewis Flemming (15), said: “I didn’t have a bike but I was interested in trying it. My mum found this club and I came along to try it and have been here about a year now.”
Lewis was initially on one of the charity’s programmes called In 1st Gear, before becoming a Young Volunteer and peer educator. He volunteered for six days in the Scorpa Factory mechanics tent at the Scottish Six Day Trial event, one of the most prestigious Motorcycle Trials events across the World.
He also assisted in coaching other young people at Scotland’s Off-road Festival of Motorsport.
Lewis continued: “It has taught me about the responsibilities of owning a bike and I am also taking part in the repair and maintenance classes. I have learned a lot of skills I wouldn’t have if I wasn’t here.”
Other young people have excelled in the world of Motocross Racing.
Logan Adsley, (18) is currently leading the Scottish Championship in the C class, he also rode well in the recent National Arenacross Championship.
Logan had some struggles through school as he is affected by ADSD, but he has found his groove in Motocross. His confidence and ability are growing daily and he is now helping to coach some of the club’s more advanced riders.
David added: “We are working with the police around Fife and other multi-agency groups to help cut motorbike crime and some of the bikes they confiscate in crimes come to our charity to make use of.
“We also work with schools to offer sessions to pupils who may be having difficulties engaging in education, and we offer programmes to help reduce this.”
John McIntyre, the club’s assistant manager, added: “Anti-social behaviour figures for motorbike related issues in the Levenmouth area have shown a huge reduction, which is great, and we are looking to work with other communities to tackle this. In Levenmouth we have helped to reduce the calls about anti-social illegal riding by a sustained 70 per cent.”
“We want to use motocross in a positive way to divert youngsters into something that can really help them.
“Our Charity wants to have more impact and a greater reach, and companies like ExxonMobil are helping us to do that.”
John McGuffin, Process Manager at FEP, said: “It is great to hear about the positive ways Kingdom Offroad Motorcycle Club is helping young people in the area.
“We are pleased to be able to help continue and enhance the work the club is doing through this donation.”