10-Year-Old Ryan Holt Wins Oldham Athletics’ Goal Of The Month Award

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Congratulations to 10-year-old Ryan Holt who has won Oldham Athletics’ Goal of the Month competition for November.

Ryan, who is a supporter of the club, netted a superb free kick in the EFL Kids Cup competition to claim the prize.

The youngster was handed his award by striker Eoin Doyle who he fought off to win the award.

Ryan said: “I was shocked and happy. I knew who Eoin was because I watch them every week and I’m happy to get the award.”

Doyle added: “I wish I had that technique and I’ve asked him to teach me how to do it so I’m delighted for him. It was a great free kick and it went into the top corner so fair play to him.”

The video of the visit is below so make sure to give it a watch!

Derby County Community Trust invest more than ever in 2017

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Derby County Community Trust has invested £1.7 million – its highest figure ever – in helping the region’s communities become and remain active during the last 12 months.

During a highly successful year, the Trust has pumped in an extra £300K from 2016, and has seen the growth in several projects.

They include the National Citizen Service, which continues to increase its offer to the young people of Derby, with 524 Year 11 and 12 students taking part throughout the summer, an increase of 750% from the previous year.

And health programmes have expanded, including a new cancer recovery service, offering those living with and recovering from cancer tailored physical activity.

The growth of the Trust in the last year demonstrates its commitment to helping the region’s people across all ages and communities.

Simon Carnall, Head of Community, said:

“It has been another successful year for the Trust, using the power of Derby County Football Club to improve people’s lives. We are privileged to be in the position we hold at the heart of our local community, delivering a huge array of outstanding projects for the betterment of those communities.

“The variety and extent of our community activities continues to expand year on year and we now attract funding in excess of £1.3 million into the local area. The scheme has had a very strong financial year increasing its annual turnover to over £1.7m as well as increasing its full-time staffing levels.

“We are very proud of our achievements over the course of the past year and this report is our chance to make sure that people are aware of who we are, what we do, and why we do it.”

Derby County Chairman Mel Morris added:

“2017 has been another huge year for the Derby County Community Trust, with so many successful programmes that have touched the lives of thousands throughout Derbyshire.

“Their programmes have raised attainment in schools; developed talent pathways; helped people get healthier and stay more active, and made a difference to a record number of people.

“The team at our Community Trust can be justifiably proud of their achievements, but I know they don’t want to rest on their laurels. Over the coming months and years we will continue to ensure that the Derby County Community Trust’s delivery programmes are underpinned by the very highest aims and objectives, demonstrating the commitment from Derby County Football Club to enhance the lives of the community we live in and serve.

You can find the 2017 Derby County Community Trust annual report here >> DCCT Annual Report 2017

Foundation of Light Ladies Scholars Celebrate Tournament Win

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Foundation of Light’s Ladies Football Scholarship team overcame some of the country’s top development sides to win the inaugural National Football Youth League (NFYL) U19 Ladies Cup at St George’s Park.

Megan Elliott opened the scoring in the final against Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust before Emily Hutchinson doubled the lead at the FA’s national football centre.

The young Black Cats lifted the trophy after a memorable day which saw the girls score 11 goals without reply against Chelsea Foundation, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust and Burnley Shadow Youth Team in the group stages before defeating hosts Burton Albion Community Trust Ladies 3-0 in the semi-finals.

Ladies Scholars coach, Steve McClarence, said: “The whole day was a brilliant experience for the girls.

“To play at St George’s Park in a National Tournament against good opposition is exactly what the girls need. They played some brilliant football, worked hard and as a result didn’t concede a single goal all day.

“The Girls Pathway and football offer at the Foundation of Light is extremely strong now, and this is shown by the quality of players that we have on the Scholarship programme.”

Winning the Ladies Cup rounds off an incredible few months for the Foundation’s Football Scholarship which saw the Monkwearmouth men’s team claim the league and cup double in April, as well as several scholars join Premier League and Women’s Super League sides.

Further success could follow in 2018 with Monkwearmouth on course to retain their Midlands Division title and both the Ladies Scholars and Monkwearmouth North men’s teams currently sitting top of their respective leagues.

Currently recruiting for the 2017-18 academic year, the programme gives 16-18 year olds the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC in the NFYL U19 Development Leagues and ESFA College Cups and gain BTEC, AS and A Level qualifications through an intensive football and education course.

Foundation of Light’s Football Scholarship is delivered in partnership with Monkwearmouth Sixth Form Academy, South Tyneside College and Shildon AFC, Boldon School, The Hermitage Academy and is sponsored by leading dispensed soft drink suppliers ABCO-Anderson Beverage Company Limited.

For more information on the Foundation of Light Football Scholarship please email [email protected] or call 0191 5515191.

EFL Trust NCS Graduate chosen to host National Conference

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Cheyenne Van Den Berg from Sheffield, has been chosen from among thousands of young people to host this year’s NCS Trust National Conference.

Cheyenne, who completed NCS with EFL Trust will be co-hosting the Conference in front of a 1000 people at the ICC in Birmingham on Tuesday 12th December.

Full of praise about Cheyenne’s role at the NCS Trust Conference, Tony Buck, Youth Engagement office at EFL Trust said: “We are delighted to say that an NCS Graduate from the EFL Trust’s network has been chosen to play a key role at the NCS Trust National Conference.

“Cheyenne is a great character and is perfect for the role at the conference. Since completing NCS, Cheyenne has continued her involvement by contributing many extra hours and working to improve her community.

“Her NCS journey and experience will have given her the confidence required to present in front of a 1000 people.”

Since starting her NCS journey in Summer 2016, Cheyenne has taken advantage of a number of opportunities.

Cheyenne is a key member of EFL Trust’s Regional Youth Board having joined in 2016. She was one of a hundred NCS grads that volunteered at the Passchendaele 100 event in Belgium. During her time there she had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Teresa May, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Her role in her local community has been nothing short of inspirational, as she has planned and delivered 3 open mic nights that have helped support and raise awareness for mental health, immigration and Black History Month in Sheffield.

Cheyenne follows in the footsteps of fellow EFL Trust NCS Graduate, Katie Aris of Pompey in the Community, who last year led a Q&A with former Prime Minister David Cameron, Chair of the Board; Stephen Greene and CEO of NCS Trust, Michael Lynas.

We at EFL trust want to wish Cheyenne the best of luck for tomorrow at the NCS Conference.

HRH Duke of Cambridge lends support to Cambridge United’s ambitious new community strategy – Gameplan 2020

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Cambridge United Community Trust received support from His Royal Highness Prince William the Duke of Cambridge as they launched Game Plan 2020, the Club’s new strategy for community work over the next three years.

Game Plan 2020 builds on Cambridge United Community Trust’s work to date and adds a further 12 programmes. The 30 initiatives across the areas of health, education and inclusion all aim to help create a fairer and more prosperous Cambridge for all.  It includes new projects in mental health, literacy and loneliness alongside deepening existing work in disability sports, science in schools and volunteering. Details of all projects can be read here.

In his foreword to the strategy document Game Plan 2020 HRH The Duke of Cambridge said:

“Cambridge United is a very close neighbour of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where I was a pilot for two years, at the heart of a community to which I have a very strong personal connection. It is encouraging to see how active the Club is in the local area – from running lunch clubs for pensioners through to hosting disability football sessions for all groups. The Club’s new mental health programme for young people is particularly innovative and important.

“Cambridge United is the epitome of a good community-based Club. The ambition of the Cambridge United Community Trust, on behalf of the Club in the local community, is one that many other football clubs – big and small – could learn from across the Country. It is great to see Cambridge United raise this ambition further and look to build on their outstanding community work of recent years. By focusing even more help on those who need it most, the Trust will ensure thousands of local people can benefit from the positive power of football. Good luck with the important work.”

Tracey Crouch, Sports Minister, said “It is great to see Cambridge United using the power of sport to have such a positive impact in their local community. Their new strategy – Gameplan 2020 – will build on the great work of their Community Trust and am sure will be a big success. I am particularly pleased to see the Club starting a new mental health programme in schools next year. I know myself just how sport can make such a difference to a person’s mental well being.”

Martin Glenn, CEO of the Football Association, said: “The work of the Cambridge United Community Trust is a shining example of how a professional football club can be a true force for good in its local community. It is great to see the Trust extending the chance to play the game to every part of society – from people with different disabilities to senior citizens who still love to kick a ball. The Club is now setting out its new ambitions to do even more to tackle inequality and provide opportunity. Everyone at the FA wishes them every success with these exciting plans.”

Graham Daniels, Chair of Cambridge United Community Trust, said: “Everyone associated with Cambridge United is honoured that HRH The Duke of Cambridge has endorsed our community work in this way. We are proud to have such high level support for the important work of our Trust from Government and the Football Association. It is testament to the hard work and passion of all the staff and volunteers who have done so much to drive the Trust’s work since it was formed. The Trust has been an important symbol of the Club’s desire to become a genuine community club that uses the power of sport to help every part of Cambridge wherever we can, 7 days a week.

“Cambridge is a fantastic global city. It is world class in so many different ways. And we are proud that our Club is based here. It is also however a city which is home to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country – many of whom live very close to our home at the Abbey Stadium. The Abbey Ward has, for example, the highest degree of child poverty in Cambridge.

“The social responsibility to do more for these groups and to help close the inequality gap falls at least in part to organisations such as Cambridge United through the Community Trust. We believe that Gameplan 2020 with its 30 programmes focused on the areas of health, education and inclusion can help create a fairer and more prosperous Cambridge for all.”

– Trust to increase number of community programmes to 30 to help all parts of the City

– Tracey Crouch, Sports Minister, and Martin Glenn, CEO of the FA, also endorse Trust’s work

Perseverance lands Burton Albion Community Trust apprentice an award

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Danny Turner, an 18 year old apprentice at Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT), proves perseverance pays off after winning an award at the Trust’s fourth annual community awards evening at the Pirelli Stadium.

Danny, who is a keen Burton Albion supporter, has taken advantage of education and community engagement opportunities at the Club’s Community Trust.

Whilst in college, Danny developed an interest of working in the sports industry and after completing a level 2 qualification in sport, decided to go on the NCS programme at BACT.

He believes that NCS was the key in helping him to pluck up the courage and pursue a career in sport. Following which he acquired a place on BACT’s Traineeship programme.

He commented: ‘’I used to be really quiet but after being away from home and meeting new people, the NCS programme really brought me out of my shell.

‘’It gave me a push and changed me completely, it made me feel like I can actually do something if I really put my mind to it.’’

The 12 week Traineeship aims to help young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) gain work experience and learn new skills based at a professional football club, enhancing their future prospects.

Danny continued: ‘’After NCS, I didn’t want to be stuck at home all year doing nothing, I really wanted to better myself.

‘’Being a trainee at Burton Albion gave me a purpose, it felt like a proper job with responsibilities and it feels like a dream to work at the club you support.

‘’I got to go into schools and volunteer, helping to deliver football sessions like a teacher. I also got to dress up as the Burton Albion mascot and entertain kids with the Burton Albion first team, it was so fulfilling!’’

After completing the Traineeship, Danny was on the lookout for a job within the sports sector but unfortunately, this was hard to come by at the time.

He didn’t however, let this hinder his ambitions.

He continued to volunteer and put the hours in at BACT, shadowing other apprentices at schools and helping to deliver and coach sessions.

This year, he applied for an apprenticeship this year at BACT and quickly gained a place on the programme.

Through his hard work and determination, Danny was awarded the ‘Education and Learning Award’ at BACT’s Community Awards evening.

He said: ‘’It was a great feeling to win the award in front of over 250 people, including the Burton Albion chairman and the mayor.

‘’To get recognised for all of the voluntary work I’ve put in is great. I’ve been so determined to show the best of my ability and what I’m capable of.’’

To find out about the EFL Trust Traineeship programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/projects/traineeships/

EFL Trust Disability Programme Celebrates One Year Anniversary With Football Festival

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The EFL Trust’s nationwide disability football programme, Every Player Counts, celebrated its one-year anniversary by holding a football festival at MediaCityUk in Salford today, with players and Clubs showcasing the programme in front of special guests. 

Former England defender Danny Mills, ex-Hull City manager Mike Phelan and Bolton Wanderers forward Aaron Wilbraham were all at the event to support the anniversary and witness first-hand the benefits of the scheme. 

Mills, Phelan and Wilbraham met participants from Wigan Athletic, Fleetwood Town, Bolton Wanderers, Coventry City and Shrewsbury Town who have been involved in the programme over the past 12 months, with over 50 players taking part on the day.

Aaron Wilbraham of Bolton Wanderers, Mike Phelan and Danny Mills.

Funded by the Wembley National Stadium Trust and the EFL Trust, £1.1 million in grants, including almost £200,000 from the EFL Trust, has been donated to the Every Player Counts programme, with 25 EFL Clubs currently delivering the initiative across the country.

“Football is the greatest game on the planet, but it is about participation and that is what makes programmes such as this so beneficial. Not only the health aspect, but from a social point of view, today and over the previous year will have changed the lives of those taking part,” explained Former Manchester City defender Mills, who helped launch the Every Player Counts programme a year ago.

It has been a remarkable first year for the programme, with over 3,600 participants taking part, exceeding the initial target by over 20%. Just under 900 of those were between the ages of ten and fifteen, demonstrating the importance of giving youngsters an opportunity to gain confidence and take part in sporting activity.

Mike Phelan watches on over a young Shrewsbury player.

The five EFL Community Trusts took part in a small tournament, with disabilities ranging from visual impairment to amputations, showcasing the diversity the programme offers.

Former Manchester United assistant manager Phelan said: “It is really pleasing to be able to see the opportunities available for everybody to take part in football. It is a fantastic programme that encourages participation, and with nationwide support from EFL Clubs it is only going to get stronger over the next few years.”

EFL Trust Director of Operations, Mike Evans said: “It’s a year since we launched the programme and it wouldn’t have been possible without the funding from the Wembley National Stadium Trust.

“Credit needs to be given to all participating EFL Clubs who have really pushed the boat out to engage as many people with disabilities as possible. It has been a fantastic effort from all involved.

Danny Mills takes a selfie with the young Fleetwood players.

For more information on the Every Player Counts programme, visit: https://www.efltrust.com/projects/every-player-counts/

FOOTBALL UNITES FOR RAINBOW LACES CAMPAIGN

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Ahead of this weekend’s Rainbow Laces campaign the EFL, Premier League, PGMOL, and The FA joined together to produce a unique rainbow photograph to show football standing together in support of LGBT inclusivity.

All 92 League Clubs will be supporting Stonewall’s initiative with various activities including rainbow-coloured captains’ armbands, laces and programme adverts.

In a league first, EFL Clubs will also be proudly displaying rainbow-coloured corner flags at matches this weekend. In addition, England Women’s televised World Cup qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Banks’s Stadium on Friday will see all players wearing the rainbow laces. The Premier League has introduced bespoke rainbow branding to its ball plinths, pitch flags, handshake boards, and timing boards. PGMOL will also be showing their support across the four divisions, with all match officials wearing rainbow laces.

Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign aims to make sport everyone’s game with national teams, leading clubs, professional players, fans and grassroots players from across football showing their support for LGBT people in sport.

 

Pictured left to right: Billy Clarke (Charlton Athletic), Scott Cuthbert (Luton Town), Shandon Baptiste (Oxford United), John Egan (Brentford), Kevin Friend (PGMOL), Luke Prosser (Colchester United), Jack Whatmough (Portsmouth), Fara Williams (England and Reading Ladies), Gary O’Neil (Bristol City) and Mark Noble (West Ham United).

Also pictured in further images: Alex Perry (Bolton Wanderers)

The image is free to use (credit photographer Andy Fallon) and a selection of images are available to download here: https://we.tl/ryUvmxAaPC

‘To say I’m working for the club I support, you just can’t beat it!’

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Ben Foster, an 18 year old currently undertaking a coaching apprenticeship at Argyle Community Trust, is a prime example of how the EFL Trust Traineeship programme can open the door to life changing career pathways.

A year ago, Ben had no idea what career route to take and after feeling unmotivated in sixth form during his A-Levels, decided to attend an Apprenticeships and Jobs event, held at the Job Centre.

During the event, he was made aware of the EFL Trust Traineeship Programme with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, and as a firm Argyle supporter jumped at the opportunity of going on the programme.

He commented: ‘’I was stuck in sixth form struggling with my A-Levels, not enjoying life at all and had no clue what I wanted to be in life.

‘’As a big Argyle fan the Traineeships programme really stood out to me. I wanted to do something a bit different.’’

Upon signing his initial forms and enrolling on to the Traineeship, he began to ease his way into the programme, completing initial employability skills workshops, alongside his first placement sessions in Freedom Fields, working with 11-19 year olds in a real inclusion-based session.

Ben was also involved in supporting the Health & Disability remit, assisting the delivery of ‘It’s a Goal’- an hour long game-based activity for Adults with mental health issues. Ben soon began to realise that he now felt a passion for the area he was working within and enjoyed helping others develop their sporting experience.

The twelve-week Traineeship aims to help young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) find a new, exciting programme they can become immersed in and re-focus their minds on their individual futures.

As far as Ben was concerned, the learning environment was a perfect to aid his development, both personally and as a budding Sports coach. Each Trainee has the opportunity within their 12 weeks to complete a Sports Leaders UK L2 award as well as their FA Level 1 in Coaching Football, both extremely valuable qualifications when looking to achieve a career in sport.

After consistent delivery during his twelve-week placement with Argyle Community Trust, Ben enhanced his reputation throughout the organisation and secured an apprenticeship in coaching at the club.

He added: ‘’I really enjoyed the Traineeship programme. I feel I’ve improved in many ways during the course. Things such as my confidence, people skills and self-management have all been helped massively.

“The course tutors were amazing, both Dan and Ryan taught us well, looked after us and successfully tutored me to become a qualified coach.

‘’Initially I didn’t think I would ever have chosen sport as a career path, but to now say I’m working for the club I support, I’m really glad I did. You just can’t beat it!’’

To find out more about the EFL Trust Traineeship programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/projects/traineeships/

Stewart Downing Gets Kids Moving In Middlesbrough

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Boro star Stewart Downing visited pupils from Year 5 and 6 at Chandlers Ridge Academy in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough yesterday afternoon, promoting the +Sport Move and Learn Project.

The former England international dropped in on the primary school’s introductory session to the programme, with the pupils set to start the EFL Trust affiliated scheme in the new year.

Downing showed off his nimble footwork in a game of dodgeball with the children, before heading to the classroom to take part in a memory-based exercise.

The children and Downing shared some of their favourite foods, TV programme’s and sports with each other, before the Middlesbrough man had to sit in the hot chair and remember some of his new classmates’ top choices.

“The children seemed thrilled to have a top Middlesbrough football player visit their class,” said MFC Foundation’s Sports Participation Coordinator Natalie Guy.

“Chandlers Ridge is a school we have worked with for a very long time, and the children are always impeccably behaved. Stewart was brilliant with the group, engaging in the session and had time for everyone waiting for autographs.

“To see a footballer who the pupils can relate to on a personal level due to his locality is fantastic, and you can see that the time with him had a hugely positive effect.”

The specially designed primary schools programme encourages children to take part in physical activity, while helping them to understand the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

Over the course of six weeks, children spend time in the classroom learning about the body, nutrition and the importance of exercise, through participating in interactive activities. This is then followed by a session dedicated to playing football, dodgeball or handball, with two weeks spent on each sport.

To date, MFC Foundation has delivered the programme locally in 50 schools, with 5400 children impacted. To build on this success, this year they will be reaching 30 schools and 1800 children.

 

To find out more about the +Sport Move and Learn project visit: https://www.efltrust.com/moveandlearn/

To find out more about MFC Foundation visit: http://www.mfcfoundation.co.uk/