WHAT started out as one trampoline in a man's back garden has transformed into Bransholme's most successful youth club.
Now, Friends of Furness Close is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
On peak days, more than 100 children descend on the North Bransholme site to bounce on trampolines, play a variety of sports and above all else, steer clear of antisocial behaviour.
The unique club is managed by local taxi driver Paddy Hewick.
His work has now been hailed by Hull City Council and Humberside Police as crime rates among the young have dropped significantly.
Mr Hewick, 48, said: "It started about five years ago when I just had an old trampoline in my garden for the grandchildren.
"A couple of other children on the estate had used it and there had been a lot of crime in the area. One day I just thought, 'there is a real hope for our kids here'."
Then one trampoline turned to two, which turned to three.
As word spread across the estate and more children began turning up, Hull City Council agreed to give Mr Hewick a strip of land close to his house.
Mr Hewick said: "Before I knew it, there were four big trampolines and the council had given me some land to host sports activities for the kids.
"We started playing cricket, football and rounders. The kids absolutely loved it.
"And it really has grown from there into something I never imagined it would. We now have committee meetings and it is talked about all over the city.
"I just wanted to get kids out of trouble, off the streets, and give them something to do.
"There were kids who were sliding down a slippery slope and they needed a social hub of activity – a place they could meet new friends, have fun and have something to look forward to.
"Often you get spates of antisocial behaviour in Bransholme, not because the kids are bad people, but because they have absolutely nothing to do.
"I am delighted to say Friends of Furness Close has given the kids something positive to do and trouble on the estate has eased as a result."
The group now organises camping trips during the summer and holds regular talks on healthy eating.
Youngsters aged from five to 19 use the facility, although children aged six and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Mr Hewick said: "We took some of the kids to Bridlington last summer and a few of them had never been outside of Hull. Another had never seen the sea or sand – it was a real eye opener for some of us.
"It was heartwarming because so many of the children were so happy.
"It is nice to make a difference."
In recent months, local councillors, police officers and Northpoint Shopping Centre have all supported the club's activities by donating money.
Mr Hewick said: "Thanks to the police, I managed to take a few of the kids down to Hull Prison for the day and show them what happens if they misbehave.
"Me and some of the other volunteers had identified the fact they had started to slide down that slippery slope.
"After their visit to the prison they have been no trouble since.
"If we can improve the behaviour of two in every seven or eight people then it is all worthwhile.
"It's not all down to me – there are lots of volunteers who, without their help, the activities for the children would not be here today."
The facility is open between April and October and often from 10.30am to 9pm.
For further details on the club, which is free of charge, call Paddy Hewick on 07597 840550.
'It's fun and it keeps me out of trouble!'CHILDREN of all ages from across the Bransholme estate descend on Furness Close to make new friends and stay on the right side of the law.
Here is what they had to say about the club:
Shannon, 13, of Rishworth Close, said: "I have been able to meet loads of new friends and that is very important in life.
"It is fun and it keeps me out of trouble.
"There is always something different to do here for kids of all ages and running about a lot keeps me fit."
Declan, 14, of Redmire Close, said: "Before I came to Friends of Furness Close, I was always getting into trouble on the estate. But since then I have met new people, learned respect and not been in any bother. And the trampolines are great."
Lauren, ten, of Noddle Hill, said: "I just love playing on all of the trampolines – it is great fun.
"I also like playing the different sports that the organisers put on for all of us."
Ben, 14, of Greygarth Close, said: "If I didn't come here, I would probably be up to no good.
"It is a great opportunity to play football with lots of other people around my age.
"There is always the chance people can get in trouble but this club helps stop it. I get to meet new people all the time, it keeps me fit and it keeps me out of trouble. So it is great."
