John Dwan, 52, spent his youth playing in Wythenshawe Park with his six brothers and has fond memories of the area.
Matt Ratcliffe
A sports coach has returned to the park near his childhood home to open a cafe and training centre for the local community.
John Dwan, 52, spent his youth playing in Wythenshawe Park with his six brothers and has fond memories of the area.
Dad-of-two John has now opened The Courtyard cafe in a disused building in the park, which he hopes will become a hub for the area.
He plans to run training courses at the venue, including in physical education, first aid and fire safety, as a way of supporting his social enterprise and giving back to the community.
John has worked as a sports coach for disabled and able-bodied kids in Stockport, Hulme and Moss Side .
In 2005, John and his colleagues set up Sport 4 Life, a not-for-profit organisation which gives sports training and education programmes to deprived youngsters. After expanding the programme, he set his sights on The Courtyard, which opened in a disused former cafe in Wythenshawe Park.
John is employing local people at The Courtyard, and he hopes it will support his social enterprise, while offering training courses to residents.
John grew up a stone?s throw from Wythenshawe Park on Cherry Tree Road and was a pupil at nearby St Aidan?s Primary School in Northern Moor.
John, who now lives in Eccles with partner Paula and his youngest son Jacob, 10, said: ?I have very fond memories of Wythenshawe Park. I grew up opposite, attended the local school and spent many hours of my childhood in the parkland. I know how important the park is to the region; giving people a place to get out in the open air, meet up with friends and play sport.
?It sounds corny, but I?m really excited to come back here and put the building into good use. I haven?t been as excited about a project for years. Hopefully it will grow and we can do lots of good for the park.?
The Courtyard is open to the public on weekends all year round with longer opening times in the school holidays.
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