FUTSAL AND EDUCATION: The St George’s Park Experience

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EFL Trust Futsal and Education scholars from Grimsby Town and Peterborough United had the opportunity of playing at England’s National Football Centre, St George’s Park, in the EFL Trust Futsal Super Cup Final.

Match Report:

In a match which saw a missed penalty, 6 goals, two own goals and incredible drama from beginning to end went the way of the Mariners at St Georges Park. Both sides displayed a terrific standard of futsal which was a fantastic advertisement for the EFL Trust and youth futsal in general.

Peterborough took the lead in the second minute, a fast counter attack resulted in a low cross turned into his own net by Grimsby’s Ollie Willetts. Willetts was involved soon after this time at the other end of the court, and made amends for his own goal- his cross-cum shot ricocheted off Isaac Saywell and found the back of the net; another own goal.

Grimsby looked to strike again, but were denied on a number of occasions. Harry Burke and Jan Meiwald were both denied by Peterborough’s Harry Wilshire who made a number of important saves. Burke wasn’t to be denied on the second time of asking, his direct run through though Peterborough’s defence presented himself one-on-one with Wilshire, Burke calmly rolled past him and slotted home to give Grimsby a 2-1 lead.

Before today’s game Peterborough’s Antonio Jaquite had found the net 20 times in 10 games, Jaquite added his name to the scoresheet with a low drive past Denson after some strong hold up play to level the scoring just before half time. Jaquite grabbed his second of the game just after the second half restart, some neat one touch passing freed up Jaquite, who made no mistake firing low across Grimsby’s Tyler Denson, sending Posh into a 3-2 lead.

Peterborough created a number of chances at the beginning of the second half, and could have extended their lead, but Grimsby’s Denson made some fine saves to keep the deficit at one. Moments after Denson’s saves, Grimsby were level again, Burke struck for the second time of the afternoon, after his first-time strike from a set piece flicked off the crossbar and into the back of the net.

Both sides had opportunities to win the game, Tom Latif went close for Peterborough, and Alex Aldrich came close to converting a Meiwald cross.

However, this wasn’t the end of the drama. The referee indicated that Grimsby were on their 5th foul, and any foul after this point would result in a 10 metre penalty for Peterborough. Incredibly, with 4 seconds left Leo Kilday upended Peterborough’s Saywell which handed Peterborough the chance to win the game from 10 metres. Jake Cooper stepped up and slammed his penalty against the post- agony for Peterborough. The final whistle blew, this final headed to penalties.

After 3 successfully converted spot kicks each, Grimsby’s Captain Meiwald saw his effort saved. Peterborough had another chance to win the EFL Super Cup, but couldn’t convert their next penalty past Denson, meaning it was all still level. Grimsby’s Josh Carver-Mill smashed his penalty home, and Denson made himself the hero with another save from Peterborough’s next penalty – Grimsby Town were the 2017 EFL Trust Super Cup winners.

To find out more about the Futsal and Education Programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/futsal/

Diabetes not stopping Logan from achieving his dream

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Blackburn Rovers season ticket holder Logan Prince has type one diabetes but that has not stopped the ten-year-old playing the sport he lives and breathes.

The talented young footballer has been participating in Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Football Camps for nearly five years and it has completely changed both his and his family’s life around.

Since joining the Football Camp, Logan has been signed by the club’s academy, joined local Sunday team Blackburn Eagles and thoroughly enjoying his life.

Logan is cared for by single mother of three, Joanne Prince, who also has a daughter with epilepsy, and she can’t speak highly enough of the support she has received from Blackburn Rovers Community Trust with all the coaches voluntarily taking the necessary training in order to help support him.

She said: “The coaches have been absolutely fantastic and I couldn’t have coped without them. It is a 24 hour job taking care of Logan but all the staff took it upon themselves to get fully trained so they know all about his care in order for him to join the Football Camp.

“He has been to every one ever since he started and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust have gone above and beyond my expectations and become part of the family now!”

It was just over six years ago when Logan was diagnosed with type one diabetes, shortly after his fourth birthday.

The news shocked the family as Joanne explained how they control Logan’s diabetes and how they want to raise awareness for the illness. She continued: “I have to check him day and night because his blood levels can fluctuate and I also have to assess him every time he eats.

“We noticed his symptoms when he was four and the doctors initially thought it was just a migraine but two weeks later he was rushed into hospital and placed in intensive care before he was diagnosed.

“We have to check his blood more than eight times per day. For the first two years he had the condition, I never left his side, but the Football Camp was something he wanted to do and you can’t stop them doing it. He loved it straight away and it has given him so much more confidence and freedom.

“It has not only given Logan something to do but it has given me a break too. It is a lot for such a child to go through but he is a fantastic son and we are proud of him.

“He is determined and this is not going to stop him from what he wants to achieve.”

The ten-year old, who predominately plays as a midfielder, added: “I love coming to the Football Camp at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and it is so much better than sitting there and feeling sorry for myself.

“I have made so many new friends by coming along and I want to keep on coming because everyone looks after me and I have such a good time.”

 

Brad’s story: From bricklayer to full-time coach at Exeter City Academy

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Brad Miller, a full-time Foundation Lead Coach at Exeter City Academy, explains how his time and experience on the EFL Trust Futsal and Education Programme helped him land his dream job in coaching.

The 24 year old, who is currently working towards his UEFA A License, was one of the first students to progress through the Futsal and Education Programme when it began.

If it wasn’t for his drastic decision to change his career pathway at 16, he probably wouldn’t be where he is now.

He said: ‘’At the age of 16 I worked for a brick laying company and I soon realised it really wasn’t for me.

‘’I have always had an underlying passion for football and coaching. As soon as I heard about the Futsal and Education Programme and what it entailed, I had to get involved.’’

The EFL Trust Futsal and Education programme specialises in offering a platform to young people who love sport but aren’t motivated by the classroom environment, presenting a different way to learn and progress in their careers.

Brad continues: ‘’As a technical player, I have always been a big admirer of futsal. I felt the sport suited my playing background and it helped me to improve my game.

‘’The programme gave me a great platform and a good base knowledge of sport and education. The staff really help you progress with whatever it is you want to do.’’

On the programme, students are based in and around a professional football club. This environment really motivated Brad to pluck up the courage and move into a career in football coaching.

Brad added: ‘’Being in the professional environment really inspired me to better myself and gain my dream career in football coaching.

‘’The staff at the club provided me with so many opportunities to pick up coaching hours alongside completing my studies.

‘’I would always make myself available and worked very hard to move my way up the coaching ‘ladder’.’’

Brad obtained valuable coaching practise through Exeter City’s ‘three tier progression pathway’ – a system designed to cater to the development of talented young players.

The system starts from tier three (ages 6-15) at Advanced Development Centre level all the way to tier one at Academy level, and allows players to evolve at their own speed and progress to higher levels if, and when, they are ready.

After completing the Futsal and Education programme and gaining a variety of coaching experience in the progression pathway system, Brad achieved his UEFA B License and was offered a full-time role at the club’s academy.

Now into his second season in the role, Brad says his particular coaching style has stemmed from his time as a player on the Futsal and Education programme – he always looks for technical attributes in younger players.

‘’Young players are like a blank canvas and then you mould them into your philosophy as a club and as a coach.

‘’I think how I coach now comes from my time on the Futsal programme. I try to help players become more technical, quick and good on the ball.’’

‘’It’s so fulfilling when you see them flourish and progress. They have so much energy.’’

To find out more about the Futsal and Education Programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/futsal/

VACANCY: Blackpool FC Community Trust – Senior Recruitment Officer

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JOB VACANCY: SENIOR RECRUITMENT OFFICER

Job Advert and Job Description: Senior Recruitment Officer

Blackpool FC Community Trust has a very exciting opportunity for someone to join their senior team to manage the Trust’s recruitment of participants across a number of projects, including BTEC Education and the National Citizen Service. The post holder will also manage the organisation and delivery of the NCS project and staff associated.

Blackpool FC Community Trust, based at Bloomfield Road Stadium, continue to be the main delivery partner of NCS in Blackpool.

The NCS programme offers 16 and 17 years olds from different backgrounds the opportunity to build skills for future work and life. The scheme aims to bring young people together to develop greater confidence, self awareness and responsibility. It encourages personal and social development by working on skills like leadership, teamwork and communication. The skills learned through voluntary social action are widely documented to have a positive impact on the employability skills of a young person.

The Trust has also delivered BTEC Education for the past 6 years, in partnership with the EFL Trust, with market leading results and opportunities for 16-19 year olds to engage in Sports education with pathways into Football and Sports Coaching.

The Trust delivers Level 1, 2 and 3 courses for young people to gain a quality education and experience.

Main responsibilities include building and maintaining effective relationships with local schools, teachers, colleges and other youth led organisations, whilst bringing new and innovative ideas of engaging with young people to spread the word of Community Trust provision across Blackpool.

Click on the link at the top of the page to view the job description and job advert where you will find all the details on how to apply.

Blackburn Rovers & Burnley unite against prostate cancer

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Rovers and Burnley are joining forces in a bid to combat prostate cancer and save the lives of local men.

Thanks to generous support from The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal – a special fund operated by the Clarets’ vice chairman – Blackburn Rovers Community Trust will be hosting a special screening event on Saturday October 28th 2017.

Taking place between 10am to 1pm in the Legends’ Lounge at Ewood Park, it will help men detect whether they possess any of the early signs of the condition and hopefully tackle symptoms at the earliest possible stage.

The quick, easy and possibly life-saving blood tests cost just £5 per person, with the price being heavily subsidised by Barry’s charity.

Similar events have been held with great success at other football grounds up and down the country thanks to support from the charity, with thousands undertaking the tests and scores of men being able to combat the effects of prostate cancer thanks to early intervention.

The stadium setting ensures that the target audience – men aged 50 or over – are in a familiar and comfortable setting, with the timing of the Ewood Park event deliberately scheduled to allow Rovers fans the chance to go straight from their screening to the supporters’ coaches heading to the game at Wigan Athletic that afternoon.

The appeal to get local football fans screened has been backed by Premier League title-winner Kevin Gallacher, who met with Barry to represent Rovers and show that football can be a powerful force when clubs work together.

He had a simple and powerful message to local residents, explaining: “If you’re in the right age band, I think that you’ve got to get yourself down to Ewood Park to get tested at this event.

“At the end of the day, it could save your life.”

Kilby, the driving force behind the event, is bringing the initiative to Blackburn for the first time and stressed the importance of raising awareness.

He said: “This dreadful cancer affects one in eight men in their lifetime. By standing together, and catching the symptoms early, we will save lives.”

Entry on the day will be via the Darwen End reception, with volunteer guides on hand from the East Lancs Prostate Cancer Support Group to direct visitors where to head for their potentially life-saving health check.

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust would like to thank Northcote for their support of the event, donating the room hire free of charge to support this worthy cause.

World Mental Health Day 2017

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On 10th October, the EFL Trust supported World Mental Health Day, as our clubs continue to do fantastic work in this area using the power of football to encourage participation in projects.

#WorldMentalHealthDay, recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

Approximately 1 in 4 people around the world will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

To help tackle mental health problems, our EFL Club Community Trusts run various programmes and projects, including Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s SIFL (Social Inclusion Football League).

The league has been designed to support people with needs in mental health, substance misuse, social isolation and homelessness.

Since its inception in 2011, the SIFL has helped more than 800 people and many of those, through the support mechanisms in place and their new found confidence, have moved into further education and employment.

One participant, Paul Davies, suffered an unfortunate workplace accident at the age of 16 that left him with severe anxiety and unable to achieve what he hoped so shortly after finishing secondary school.

Twelve years on from the accident, Paul attempted to commit suicide on two separate occasions, the latest being in January this year when he took an overdose.

The father of two has since made a full recovery and is now on track in turning his life around, citing the opportunities created by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Social Inclusion Football League as the reason for his new positive outlook on life.

He said: “I haven’t looked back since. SIFL has helped massively because everyone else is in the same boat and recovering from something that has impacted their life in a negative way.

“I have made some new friends and I am now a qualified FA Level 1 coach working towards my Level 2 qualification.

“I have always wanted to be a coach but I never had the belief to do it, but now I am volunteering working for a local junior team and applying for full time coaching jobs, roles I never thought I would stand a chance of doing.”

Elsewhere, a simple offer of playing football for QPR Community Trust’s Mental Health Team, by his own admission, saved 23-year-old James Casling’s life.

On 20th May 2010, James should have been celebrating turning 15, but instead, he learned that his father had taken his own life.

It left the teenager in a very dark place and he was sectioned three years later at the Park Royal Mental Health centre in north-west London after trying to take his own life countless times.

It was there, that his life changed when he was asked one morning if he wanted to play football with the help of QPR Community Trust.

He commented: “At the time I didn’t realise, but if my mum didn’t buy me those boots, things might not have changed, and I might have lost my life to mental illness.

“Every week I attended training and it gave me hope I could be someone my family and friends could be proud of.”

Notts County are another club who run programmes in their local community focused on mental health, including their ‘Right Mind’ programme.

The ‘Right Mind’ programme works with local women to provide advice and support with mental health issues by offering free physical activity and social sessions once a week.

One attendee, Helen King, had a nervous breakdown two years ago and has been helped in her recovery by the programme.

She explained: “I have got ADHD and I have a lot of energy that needed an outlet. The programme at Notts County looked appealing and I am so glad I did it.

“I don’t know how I’d have turned out if I hadn’t come across this, I don’t think I’d have come out after the breakdown, so it’s kind of saved me.”

The power of football helps save man’s life

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At the age of 16, Paul Davies suffered a 430 bolt electric shock whilst at work in his first role after leaving school and endured a serious cardiac arrest.

The unfortunate workplace accident left Paul with severe anxiety and unable to achieve what we had hoped so shortly after finishing secondary school.

Twelve years on from the accident, Paul has attempted to commit suicide on two separate occasions, the latest being in January this year when he took an overdose.

The father of two has since made a full recovery and is now on track in turning his life around, citing the opportunities created by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Creative Support as the reason for his new positive outlook on life.

Paul started his road to recovery by joining Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Social Inclusion Football League in April, which is hosted in partnership between both charitable organisations at the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre on a monthly basis.

The league has been designed to support people with needs in mental health, substance misuse, social isolation and homelessness. Since its inception in 2011, the SIFL has helped more 800 people through the power of the football and many of those, through the support mechanisms in place and their new found confidence, have moved into further education and employment.

Paul plays football in SIFL on a regular basis

Even though Paul has only been participating in the SIFL for the past six months, he has realised a lifetime ambition by becoming an FA qualified coach and is now looking forward to a brighter future and applying for paid football coaching vacancies.

Currently working on a voluntary basis for a local children’s team, Paul has just re-started playing 11-a-side football on a Saturday for the first time in seven years alongside spending quality time with his young family.

Keen to raise awareness about mental health and the impact it can have, Paul explained why the Social Inclusion Football League at Blackburn Rovers has given him the confidence to make the right changes in his life.

He said: “I lost my full time job of nine years because of mental health issues and I received my final pay off last August. I went really downhill from there because and I got myself back into a rut and every day was a struggle.

“I would wake up in the morning and every day would be a battle. My mental health problems began 12 years ago after my accident.

“I tried taking my life seven years ago and I tried once again earlier this year with an overdose, but since getting involved with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Creative Support, I have structure in my life again.

“They got me involved in the Social Inclusion Football League at Ewood Park and I started playing five months ago.

“I haven’t looked back since. SIFL has helped massively and the league is very well organised with everyone making you feel welcome straight away. It is good because everyone else is in the same boat and recovering from something that has impacted their life in a negative way. I am now consistently doing something which I enjoy and I now have the confidence to socialise because I found it difficult to go out and socialise.

“I have made some new friends and I am now a qualified FA Level 1 coach working towards my Level 2 qualification. I have always wanted to be a coach but I never had the belief to do it, but now I am volunteering working for a local junior team and applying for full time coaching jobs, roles I never thought I would stand a chance of doing.”

Paul, pictured with his two young children

To find out more about Blackburn Rovers Community Trust visit: http://www.brfctrust.co.uk/Community/

VACANCY: National Citizen Service (NCS) Coordinator (Project Manager)

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: National Citizen Service (NCS) Coordinator (Project Manager)

Organisational Base: The position is home based and will involve regular travel in the areas identified. The position will involve occasional evening and weekend working with regional travel, including some overnight stays.

Contracting Region: Burton, Stoke, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Milton Keynes & Peterborough.

Reporting to: NCS Programme Manager (Sub-contract Regions)

Salary: £24,000 to £28,000 (salary evaluation process pending)

Formed in 1888 by its twelve founder members, the English Football League is the world’s original league football competition and is the template for leagues the world over. With 72 member clubs, it is also the largest single body of professional clubs in European football and is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, EFL Cup and EFL Trophy, as well as reserve and youth football.

The EFL Trust is the charitable arm of The EFL and oversees the inspiring work of the 72 EFL clubs community organisations, which engages with more than 1.5million people every season. The key themes of the EFL Trust are Sport, Education, Health and Community Engagement.

The EFL Trust is 1 of 10 Prime Contractors in 19 regions across England responsible for the contract delivery of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme. NCS is a government funded national programme managed by The NCS Trust specifically designed to help 16 and 17 year old young people on their transition to adulthood and the roles they can play in their community.

As well as a prime contractor in the Yorkshire & Humber region, EFL Trust manages sub-contracts to deliver the services across the region. The role of Co-ordinator will work closely with selected sub-contractors to ensure that the scope and direction of each programme is on schedule as well as offer support and guidance to the delivery providers.

As well as being a Prime Contractor in the Yorkshire & Humber region, EFL Trust also manage the delivery of the NCS programme in sub-contracted regions; this role will work with delivery providers in 2 of the sub-contracting regions, West Midlands and East Anglia, specifically in the locations of Burton on Trent, Stoke, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Peterborough.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To manage and support the successful delivery of the EFL Trust NCS Programme in the sub-contract regions through working in close collaboration with Local Delivery Partners (LDPs); and to manage a successful relationship with the Prime Contract Holder.

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. To monitor the performance of LDPs to ensure actions are in place to ensure delivery is in line with the specification and that milestones and contractual targets are achieved.
  2. To undertake regular communications and face-to-face meetings with LDPs to discuss their performance progress including setting and monitoring plans for recruitment and delivery, and identifying potential issues which may impact upon the successful achievement of contracted performance levels.
  3. The collation and assessment of information on recruitment and sign up numbers, including the use of Management Information and other indicators to regularly review performance against contractual targets and plans.
  4. To provide ongoing support and guidance to LDPs in all aspects of NCS delivery and provide support with stakeholder meetings (schools/colleges) and the delivery of NCS recruitment as required.
  5. To conduct quality assurance visits, utilising knowledge and understanding of the programme requirements to challenge and support delivery and inform future delivery.
  6. To provide support through networking meetings and training, enabling LDP’s to share good practice.
  7. To assist with the development of central communication tools, which support all aspects of the programme focusing on recruitment, delivery and graduate engagement.
  8. As required, work with the Youth Engagement Officer support the involvement of young people to ensure they are consulted and involved at all stages of the programme.
  9. Establish and maintain effective relationships with Prime Contractors; support requests for information, attend meetings and be a positive representative for the EFL Trust
  10. To create, maintain and develop local partnership opportunities throughout delivery regions.
  11. To undertake any other duties and/or assistance as required by the line manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential Requirements:

  1. Experience of managing the performance of a Contractor delivering a similar community or youth based programme.
  2. The ability to monitor performance through data analysis, investigative questioning, and the development of strategies to enhance performance.
  3. Practical experience of managing information operating systems and the ability to interrogate data from a CRM system.
  4. Experience of monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance frameworks and the practical application of such frameworks.
  5. The ability to understand contract requirements and communicate principles to contract holders.
  6. A proven track record of managing relationships and partnerships and the ability to
  7. A proven ability to work to under pressure to tight deadlines.
  8. A commitment to supporting young people, and the principles of equality and diversity
  9. Examples of self-motivation and the ability to work on own initiative.
  10. Excellent communication skills including written, telephone and interpersonal skills.
  11. Proven planning and organisation skills.
  12. Excellent attention to detail.

The successful candidate will reside in a convenient location to access the contract region and hold a full driver licence. This is a home based role and will require the candidate to have a suitably equipped home office with broadband access.

Advantageous:

  1. A knowledge and understanding of the NCS programme.
  2. Relevant degree or Project Management qualification.
  3. Understanding of post 16 education and/or the education sector.
  4. Experience of working with Microsoft packages particularly Excel
  5. An understanding of the issues faced by young people.

Should you be interested in applying for the position, a covering letter and CV must be emailed to [email protected].

Please note that closing date for applications is 9am, 23rd October 2017.

EFL Trust Wins £0.5 Million for Active Ageing

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The Trust will receive £0.5M of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Active Ageing fund to help older adults stay active.

The ‘Extra Time’ project will harness the power of football clubs in the local communities to create Extra Time Hubs.

Research shows inactivity among older adults (the over 55’s) is responsible for as many deaths as smoking. 36% of over 55’s are inactive compared to 26% of the population as a whole. Research also shows those who do the least exercise stand to benefit the most.

Starting in 2018, twelve EFL clubs will run ‘Extra Time Hubs’ . The hubs will be a regular gathering place for older people to come together to socialize and to prove that you’re never too old learn to do the things you’ve always wanted to do.


Based within the stadium and utilising the clubs facilities, the programme will create a community of like-minded people to shape what’s on offer. The activities will be peer led and could include anything from archery to zumba, bowls to walking football. Nothing is off the menu. The members can contribute to organising and running the groups and sessions, or just come along for the fun.

Mike Evans, The EFL Trust Director of Operations, comments:“With the support of Sport England’s Active Ageing fund, our programme will directly address inactivity in older adults right in the heart of UK communities.

”The power of our football club badges will bring people together in a comfortable, familiar environment and allow them to shape their future path to improved health and well-being.”

Sport England is investing £10 million of National Lottery money into 20 projects across England to reduce the number of inactive older adults in the country. The 20 funded projects will use activity to help tackle problems including poor mental health, dementia, loneliness caused by bereavement, and addiction.

Mike Diaper, Executive Director at Sport England said: “People are living longer but not necessarily in the best of health. We’re excited to be supporting these 20 partners with National Lottery funding to help get older adults get active. We’ll be sharing learnings so successful approaches can be scaled-up or replicated across the country so we can help more adults lead happier and healthier lives.”

Sport England has put tackling inactivity at the heart of its strategy ‘Towards An Active Nation’. There are roughly 5.8 million inactive people over 55 in England and the number of inactive people is growing as people are living longer.

Being active is one of the most important things people can do to maintain health and wellbeing as they age. Physically active older people have higher levels of mobility and a lower of risk of disease than those who are inactive. Ill health often means the loss of independence and is linked to social isolation and depression.

For more information on the Active Ageing fund please visit:  www.sportengland.org/funding/active-ageing-fund/

About Sport England

Sport England is a public body and invests more than £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport. It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes.

Sport England’s Active Lives survey November 2015 – November 2016 shows inactivity levels for age 55-64 (28% inactive), 65-74 (31% inactive) 75-84 year olds (49% inactive), 85+ (72% inactive)

Sport England’s Active Lives survey November 2015 – November 2016.

The number of people aged 60 or over is expected to pass the 20 million mark by 2030 (Office for National Statistics, 2015).

Stevenage FC Foundation launch 2016-17 annual review

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Stevenage FC Foundation have launched their 2016-17 annual review, looking back at the work the charity has delivered over the past twelve months in Stevenage, North Hertfordshire, Welwyn Hatfield and East Hertfordshire.

The Foundation, who are the official charity of Stevenage Football Club have been registered as a charity since January 2011 with the vision to provide opportunities for people in the local community to realise their potential.

Based at The Lamex Stadium, the Foundation have just increased their number of staff to 19, including two apprentices in partnership with Stevenage based Sporting Futures Training, and have delivered over 5,500 hours’ worth of activity in education and community settings over the past year.

Since 2016 the Foundation has been going through significant change to make sure that it is in the right shape to support the local community across a wide array of topics.

Head of Foundation, Joe Goude details some of the charity’s work: “We’ve continued to grow our primary and secondary school programmes, deliver National Citizen Service to over 500 15-17 year olds and support the football club with the delivery of all their holiday programmes.

”In addition to that we’ve now begun to invest time and resource into delivering a variety of community based projects including Walking Football and Active Tots, an introduction to physical activity for 2-4 year olds”.

With the increased activity and more funding being made available from the Premier League and English Football League, Goude highlights the need to evidence the work the Foundation is doing and generate some awareness of what the charity is all about.

He said: “Since joining the Foundation, I noticed that despite being active for nearly 7 years, I found that the majority of people that I met did not really know what the Foundation did and what it was trying to achieve.

”We wanted to create something that opened the doors to the charity and told people exactly what we are about, as well as showcasing some of our highlights from the last twelve months.

“As with any charity we are dependent on the support of the people we come into contact with and we’re very fortunate to benefit from the amazing fanbase that Stevenage FC have locally and we hope that the annual review will give others in our local community an understanding of what we do and make them aware of ways they can get involved”.

Stevenage FC First Team Manager, Darren Sarll, has spoken out in support of the charity’s work: “As our official charity, the work they do across all sections of the community is of real pride to everyone at the club and as First Team staff and players, we are always on hand to help and show our support.”

To download a copy of the 2016-17 Stevenage FC Foundation Annual Review click here.