Jordan Puente has gone from troubled teen to being a role model for youngsters Jordan Puente was 13 when he was first expelled from school. At 14 his anger and aggressive behaviour was so challenging, his mum feared he would end up in prison. Then one day a sports coach and mentor called Roddy Slater began working with him through his school in Reading and set Jordan on a path that would transform his life. "He started taking me down to the gym and he helped me use weightlifting as a tool to get away from that troubled life as a teenager, from being on the streets and getting in trouble with the law," he told BBC Sport. "I'd come in there with all these problems. He'd listen to me. In my head I'm just training, but then I'd come out of that session with a weight off my shoulders, being like 'hang on a minute I know how to handle it now'. Suddenly you've just been mentored for an hour without even realising it." A decade on from that first session in the gym Puente's life has come full circle, with the 25-year-old now working for Slater mentoring and coaching vulnerable young people at a time when the importance of positive role models is in the spotlight. The release of the popular Netflix series Adolescence and former England manager Gareth Southgate'sRichard Dimbleby lecturehave sparked a nationwide discussion about the issue of toxic masculinity and online influencers shaping young boys' minds. Sports coaches can play a "critical role" in addressing the issue, according to UK Coaching, which in a survey last year found that they were the most trusted profession among 18 to 24-year-olds, above teachers, nurses and social workers. Roddy Slater is a former winner of UK Coaching's Community Coach of the Year The Adolescence drama shone a light on the corrosive impact of social media and the dangerous stereotypes about masculinity some teenage boys see online. In today's digital age, providing an interaction with "real life" influencers is more important than ever, according to Slater. "I think we're giving them that space to actually see a role model face to face," the 52-year-old said. "They can talk about what they want to talk about, and they'll be listened to. A good coach listens first. "I think so many of our young people today lack the ability to build those relationships. Their social interactions are limited. Everything is online, either on their phone or on the end of their PlayStation 5 or whatever." Mark Gannon, chief executive of UK Coaching, said the face-to-face role of sports coaches was particularly important in "trying to get young people to understand the reality versus what they might see on social media, particularly with [online] misogyny". Every day around 30 young people facing significant challenges in their lives come to the Raw Mentoring site in Reading, which Slater runs. They are given one-to-one coaching in different sports and activities, while at the same time being mentored. Zeph, who is in year eight at school, has been supported here for three years, telling BBC Sport: "It makes me happy. When I come here, I don't want to leave. I used to get into fights nearly every day, I'm much calmer now." It is something Puente can relate to, describing his weekly run-ins with the police and being "a silly teenager" who got into a lot of fights before turning his life around. "When you're young, your brain's like a sponge," said Puente, who now helps youngsters alongside his job running a personal training business. "You just reflect everything that you see. And I think if you don't have that strong role model growing up, you're kind of just going through those transitional periods as a teenager a little bit lost and unguided. "I think it's underestimated how beneficial a structured role model and supportive person can be." He says that even now Slater is "probably one of, if not the most, influential person" in his life. Like many coaches, Ryan Evans' job involves much more than just talking tactics Basketball coach Ryan Evans speaks about showing youngsters "the flip side" when trying to move them away from the influences of toxic masculinity. "You can see [issues with toxic masculinity] from time to time, and it's upsetting at first because we kind of look back at when we were younger - those trappings weren't necessarily there or they weren't the same as what they used to be," said Evans, who works for Greenhouse Sports, a charity which partners with schools in disadvantaged areas to inspire young people through sport. "So for me it's, once I recognise them, not berating them for it, because at times it's not their fault. It's actually just the way that the world is constructed through their phones, social media, the influences of younger and older here at the school." "I think when we talk about toxic masculinity, the other side of it is allowing boys to express themselves and be themselves, and we need to give them that room to do so. Sometimes the solution doesn't come from me. It actually comes from them, or it's driven by something in their environment." Fellow coach Kiran Wiltshire, who has coached thousands of children in the Leicester area over 20 years, says people like her are "an important lifeline" for the youngsters. "We're a little piece of the puzzle in their big world," she said. "But that little piece of the puzzle is the difference between them completing school and going to college and getting their GCSEs or joining the local gang."
How sports coaches are helping tackle toxic masculinity
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sports Coaches Play Key Role in Addressing Toxic Masculinity Among Youth"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Jordan Puente's journey from a troubled youth to a mentor exemplifies the transformative power of sports coaching in combating toxic masculinity. At just 13 years old, Puente faced expulsion from school, and by 14, his aggressive behavior led his mother to fear for his future. The turning point came when Roddy Slater, a sports coach, began mentoring him through his school in Reading. Slater introduced Puente to weightlifting, which became a therapeutic outlet for his anger and frustrations. Through their sessions, Puente experienced not only physical training but also emotional support, allowing him to navigate his challenges more effectively. Now at 25, Puente has come full circle, working alongside Slater to mentor other vulnerable young people, highlighting the critical need for positive role models in the current climate of toxic masculinity discussions sparked by media like the Netflix series 'Adolescence'.
The role of sports coaches is increasingly recognized as vital in addressing the pressures young boys face from social media and societal expectations. UK Coaching reports that coaches are the most trusted figures among 18 to 24-year-olds, surpassing even teachers and social workers. Slater emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions, stating that many young people today lack the ability to form meaningful relationships due to their reliance on digital communication. Coaches like Ryan Evans and Kiran Wiltshire are actively working to counteract toxic masculinity by encouraging self-expression and providing a supportive environment. They recognize that understanding and addressing the influences from social media is essential for helping young boys navigate their identities. Through personalized coaching and mentorship, these sports coaches aim to provide young people with the guidance and support needed to foster resilience and positive self-image, ultimately steering them away from harmful stereotypes and behaviors.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores how sports coaches like Roddy Slater are playing a significant role in addressing toxic masculinity through mentorship and positive influence on young individuals, particularly those at risk. It highlights the transformative journey of Jordan Puente, who transitioned from a troubled youth to a community mentor, emphasizing the importance of real-life role models in today's society.
Impact of Coaches on Youth Development
The narrative centers on the relationship between Puente and Slater, illustrating how sports can serve as an avenue for personal growth and emotional healing. The mentorship provided by coaches not only helps in physical development but also offers emotional support, allowing young people to navigate their challenges. This positive mentorship can counteract the detrimental stereotypes associated with masculinity prevalent on social media.
Cultural Context and Societal Concerns
The article connects with broader discussions about toxic masculinity, particularly in light of recent cultural phenomena like the Netflix series "Adolescence." It indicates a societal recognition of the need for healthier male role models and the dangers posed by harmful online influences. By bringing attention to this issue, the article seeks to foster a dialogue about how to cultivate a more positive and inclusive understanding of masculinity.
Public Perception and Trust in Coaches
According to UK Coaching, sports coaches are viewed as the most trusted professionals among young adults, surpassing traditional roles such as teachers and social workers. This statistic underlines the potential of coaches to effect change within the community, positioning them as vital figures in the fight against toxic masculinity. The article aims to elevate the status of coaches as critical agents of social change.
Potential Manipulation and Hidden Agendas
While the article presents a compelling narrative, there is a possibility of manipulation in the way it frames the role of coaches. By emphasizing the positive outcomes of mentorship, it might downplay systemic issues that contribute to toxic masculinity, such as societal norms and expectations. The narrative could be seen as an oversimplification of a complex problem, potentially diverting attention from structural changes needed in society.
Credibility of the Article
The article appears to be credible, drawing from real-life experiences and statistics from reputable organizations. However, the focus on individual success stories may lead to a somewhat biased perspective, as it may not fully address the broader societal challenges that contribute to the issues discussed. Overall, it serves as a call to action for more engagement with young people through positive role models in sports.
This article resonates with communities seeking to redefine masculinity in healthier terms, particularly among youth and educators advocating for change. It fosters support among those who believe in the transformative power of mentorship in sports.
The implications of such narratives could influence sectors focused on youth development and education, possibly driving investments in community sports programs and mentorship initiatives. This could lead to an increased demand for roles in coaching and mentoring, impacting job markets within education and sports.
There may not be a direct correlation to global markets or stock prices from this article; however, industries related to youth sports programs could see a positive impact from heightened awareness around these issues. The narrative aligns with broader discussions about mental health and social responsibility, blending with ongoing conversations in various socio-political contexts.
In terms of artificial intelligence involvement, the writing style may exhibit characteristics typical of AI-generated content, where structured narratives and emotional appeals are used to engage readers. The choice of language is designed to resonate emotionally, likely crafted to enhance relatability and encourage reflection.
Overall, this article serves a dual purpose: it raises awareness about the importance of positive male role models while potentially simplifying the complex issues surrounding masculinity in modern society.