At the age of 31, former Newcastle Big Issue seller Ricky Gleeson had spent years being homeless, had racked up dozens of convictions, and had no qualifications to his name.
But after career advisors in the city took a chance on him, Ricky joined the Royal Navy and turned his life around. Now, after leaving the Forces after 13 years, the dad-of-two has opened a vintage sportswear shop on Newcastle's Clayton Street with the aim of supporting disadvantaged young Geordies.
The new shop called Sports Traider sells vintage sportswear and clothing from brands including Adidas, Nike and Ralph Lauren, as well as collectors trainers like Air Jordans. Shoppers can expect to find pre-loved and new men's, women's and children's clothing and sports equipment.
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Money from the sale of donated items enables the Sports Traider charity to provide sporting opportunities for children in deprived areas, as well as young offenders and vulnerable youngsters across communities in Newcastle.
Now aged 45, Ricky, from Forest Hall, said the shop he manages is just around the corner from where he used to sell the Big Issue in his 20s.
"I joined the Royal Navy at 31," he said.
"I had more than 40 convictions and no qualifications to my name. I hadn't made it through school and had been homeless for years.
"I went to Newcastle careers office and they took a little chance on me. I said I would join the Armed Forces for four years, but I did 13 years, won three military awards and went all over the world.
"I found out about the Sports Traider charity when I was leaving the Forces and offered to bring it to Newcastle for them."
Sports Traider is a national charity with shops across the UK selling donated and vintage items to fund sports coaching sessions and access to sports facilities for youngsters in deprived areas. Ricky's role will see him managing the store and working with organisations across the city to get youngsters into sport.
Ricky said he has already teamed up with Geordie Shore star Grant Molloy who will offer boxing coaching sessions, while gyms have donated unclaimed clothing from their lost property to sell.
Ricky is also keen to hear from sporting projects and coaches who can volunteer their time to help put on sessions for youngsters.
Sports Traider founder, Lance Haggith OBE, said: “Ricky has done remarkably in helping this project to come to fruition and I am delighted he is heading up our new shop. Ricky wholeheartedly believes in all of our aims as a charity and we are very much looking forward to seeing how he takes things forward with the support of others.”
The shop is looking for volunteers to work in the store and welcomes any donations of good quality sportswear. To donate or volunteer, visit the Clayton Street store in Newcastle and ask for Ricky. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
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