Urban Synergy found a new way to support young people through an innovative Golf & Mentoring event which was hosted by Ray Nyabola from Black British Golfers at Pitch Wharf in Canary Wharf. The event brought together sport, personal development, and career inspiration to help young people build confidence and expand their professional networks.
"Honestly, for a sport I'd never tried before, it was truly amazing!” – Urban Synergy Alumni
For many of the Urban Synergy alumni who attended (a mixture of young people now in apprentice or graduate roles and some who are still studying) this was their first introduction to both golf and mentoring at the same time and the combination proved to be powerful. From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was filled with curiosity, encouragement and a shared excitement to try something new.
A Partnership Driving Inclusion and Opportunity
The Golf & Mentoring event was created in partnership with Ray Nyabola, founder of Black British Golfers, whose work champions representation and access within the sport. His leadership set the tone for the evening, ensuring young people felt supported as they stepped into an environment that may have once felt out of reach.
Joining Ray were two inspiring role models:
- Claudine Brown, Global Data Privacy Officer at Harneys
- Jennifer Maloney, Sports Consultant and international coach
Together, they shaped an experience that blended skill-building with meaningful guidance.
Why Golf & Mentoring Matters
Urban Synergy’s mission is rooted in breaking down barriers and expanding horizons for young people, and the Golf & Mentoring event brings this mission to life by using sport as a powerful foundation for developing essential future skills. Through the experience of learning golf, young people build concentration and focus, patience and discipline, confidence and resilience, and a willingness to try new challenges. These qualities are just as valuable on the golf course as they are in the classroom, workplace, or any future career pathway, making the programme a unique and impactful tool for long-term personal growth.
A Talk That Connected Sport to Real Life
The evening began with a warm welcome, followed by an inspiring talk from Claudine Brown titled “Parallels Between Golf and Personal/Professional Growth.” She shared insights on the importance of mindset, learning from every swing, embracing mistakes, and carrying resilience into education, work, and life. Her message helped young people see that Golf & Mentoring is more than just a sport, it is a framework for building confidence, developing key skills, and preparing for future opportunities.
Hands-On Learning With Expert Support
"The event really helped me develop my networking and confidence-building skills.” – Urban Synergy Alumni
Students then stepped into the golf simulator bays, where Ray, Jennifer and Claudine coached them through their first swings. With guidance, patience, and plenty of encouragement, young people quickly grew more confident, proving to themselves that they could master something completely new.
The fun and energy in the room showed exactly why Golf & Mentoring is such a powerful model: it brings learning to life in a way that feels exciting, supportive, and inclusive.
Mentoring Conversations That Build Confidence
"I would like to say a huge thank you to Urban Synergy for continuously providing incredible opportunities like this, I always leave their programmes feeling uplifted and inspired.” – Urban Synergy Alumni
During the session the young people discussed career paths, overcoming challenges, building confidence, and how to apply the lessons of golf to real-life ambitions.
These conversations offered young people the kind of relatable insight that makes Urban Synergy’s approach to mentoring so impactful.
Thank you to Ray, Claudine, Jennifer and Pitch Wharf. Your support made the Golf & Mentoring event a transformative experience for our young people.
