The North Village Community Club is set to formally open its new education centre at Bernard Park, offering youth members a place to study.

Last year the sports club announced plans to move two portable, prefabricated classrooms from Dellwood Middle School to the park to create an “education centre” to host study sessions, camps and various classes. With those classrooms now in place, the organisation has announced there will be a ribbon cutting next Friday.

A spokeswoman said it will be a historic occasion for the club, allowing the organisation to offer young athletes a sheltered, safe and nurturing environment to study and do homework between school and training.

“The intent is not only to benefit the children academically but to mentor our youth so that they may one day be positive role models in our community,” she said.

“The education centre will enhance some of the efforts North Village has already put in place in order to help our children understand the importance of education.

“North Village will implement progress reports whereby students must provide reports (completed by their school teachers and parents) on their academic standings, behaviour and home life.

“The reports will highlight positive attributes and accomplishments as well as some of the challenges our children may have, so that we may assist in addressing the issues very specifically.”

The facility will also be used to host information sessions for student athletes and their families to further support community members.

“We aim to empower them with effective strategies to enrich their lives. How to build a savings plan for your child’s postsecondary education, how to deal with bullying, the educational learning styles of boys, how to better connect with adolescents, strengthening the family,” said the spokeswoman.

The club also intends to use the centre for youth camps during school holidays, offering training sessions and teaching life skills.