A graduation seminar in Kent for 65 young leaders was the culmination of a 12-month Streetwise training programme facilitated by Maccabi GB.

The programme was geared to developing sport and general leadership skills and participants also explored their Jewish identity and relationship with Israel.

Graduates included Josh Nash, 15, who intends to use his skills in sports leadership at Chigwell and Hainault Maccabi, "providing training for the younger leaders as well as running new activities and sessions".

North Londoner Darcy Hill, 17 - who completed the first of a two-year qualification in higher sports leadership - said "the programme manages to balance fun and learning fantastically, so that we obtain a real qualification as well as have a great time and meet lots of like-minded people. The skills and confidence I gained have allowed me to coach and help out at my local tennis club, as well as at sports clubs in school with the younger years."

Project manager Emma Nagli said participants left "with enhanced confidence and an improved sense of belonging". The programme had ranged from "examining the current situation in Israel to team bonding; from sports course sessions to in-depth discussions; and from a beautiful Shabbat to an emotional graduation celebration."