Jade Inspires Over 100 Girls to Learn and Play

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Two years ago, Jade Elliot became the first ever female to join the EFL Trust Futsal and Education programme. Jade’s efforts have since inspired over 100 other girls to follow suit as women’s involvement in sport continues grow.

At the age of 17 Jade, from Clayton Brook, near Chorley, became the first girl to hold down a place with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, in an otherwise all male team on the Futsal and Education programme.

She explains that being the only girl was an obstacle she had to overcome to do something she loves.

 “It was hard at first being the only girl as I had no one to talk to. I faced a lot of barriers but didn’t let anything stop me and eventually the barriers were broken down. I always use the quote ‘Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Since Jade started the course, there are now 16 girls playing on the male programme, and last year a girls only programme was introduced with approximately 85 female players taking part.

She continued: “I’m very proud to of been the first girl on the programme as it opened up massive pathways for females in my area. There are more opportunities for girls in sport now than ever before. It’s great to see the figures continually growing.”

Jade’s interest in sport began when she was inspired by her older sister Jasmine, who was a goalkeeper for England’s U-18 national team.

From the age of eight, Jade played at grassroots level for Euxton Girls and moved onto playing at academy level for Blackburn Rovers from U-10’s to U14’s. After this, she shifted her focus to futsal and coaching.

Whilst on the course, Jade sparked an interest in coaching after she was influenced by her then coaches Darren Finch and Chris McGrail, a former professional footballer for Preston North End. She has since completed her FA Level 1 coaching badge and has almost finished her Level 2.

 “ I really wanted to get into coaching after watching them [Darren and Chris] and their different styles. The have both helped me with my badges and after completing my FA level 2 coaching badge, I am hoping to move on to get my UEFA B next year.”

Aside from her studies, Jade has been the driving force in helping to involve more young people on the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust NCS Programme and is involved in volunteering to help deliver football coaching to young players in the community.

 “For me, right now, there’s nothing better than coaching. Helping with the grassroots game at the moment is great as it’s like I’m giving something back from where I came from.”

Looking to the future, after recently completing the Futsal and Education programme and achieving top grades, she hopes to develop even further down the coaching route from grassroots all the way to elite level.

She concluded: “At the moment I want to continue coaching within the community and working on the NCS programme. My dream is to one day be involved in the England Women’s national team set up as a coach.”

To find out more about the EFL Trust Futsal and Education programme visit – www.efltrust.com/futsal/

2017 Walking Football Cup Final

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Proving that you’re never too old, on Saturday 12 teams of men and women aged over 50 will go for glory in the EFL Trust Walking Football Cup Finals. 

The competition, which takes place in the impressive surroundings of Aston Villa’s training ground,  is  growing in stature with an increase of participation year on year.  Over 1,500 men and women from a record breaking 200 teams have taken part in this year’s competition – a 17% increase in teams from last year.   To reach this stage, the 12 teams have already won their local competition which was held by EFL and conference clubs across the country.  This gave the opportunity to represent their club, wearing official club colours in the regional finals, with the winners and runners up progressing to Saturday’s final.

The slow-paced version of the beautiful game, aimed specifically at the over 50s, has grown enormously over the last few years with proven health and social benefits of its participants. A survey completed during last year’s competition showed that 82% of participants believe their physical health has improved by playing walking football, with 79% of those competing in last year’s competition saying their level of exercise has increased.

Karen, a participant from Coventry City’s Walking Football team said: ”I used to play football and decided that I still wanted to be involved in some way, but as you get older it’s hard as you’re not as fast and fit anymore. So when I noticed that Coventry City had a Walking Football team I had to go down and play!

”I think it’s great for fitness as well as the social benefits. The great thing about Walking Football is you’re still playing the same sport and doing the same things, moving, tackling and shooting. It’s just a little bit slower!”

Mike Evans, Director of  Operations at the EFL Trust commented: “The Walking Football Cup Final is a key event in the EFL Trust calendar and is now into its third year.  We recognise the social and health benefits the game has for participants and want to use the power of professional clubs to help grow the game.  The cup provides ‘healthy competition’ in every sense of the word. It’s a chance to represent your local club, wear the club badge and play against league clubs”.

The group stages of this year’s competition were once again hotly contested but a special mention must go to Blackpool FC and Plymouth Argyle. In 2015, the teams met in the first ever EFL Trust Walking Football Cup final which the Green Army won in extra time.  Whilst last year, the teams met at the semi- final stage with Blackpool gaining revenge on the way to the title.

With both teams qualifying again,  will we see part three of their rivalry today or will someone else break their stranglehold on the title?

Continuing on from last year’s final, a Legends Game will kick off at 1.30pm which will see an EFL team take on its charity partner Prostate Cancer UK, with a number of ex-pros on the team sheets pitting Villa stalwarts Shaun Teale, Ian Taylor and Bryan Small, against ex-Birmingham City players Michael Johnson and Dave Regis.

A huge thank you to all the ex-players for supporting our event today.

Here are the 12 finalists:

Blackpool FC (Walking Football Champions 2016)

Blackburn Rovers

Bradford City

Cheltenham Town

Colchester United

Dagenham & Redbridge

Gillingham FC

Kidderminster Harriers

Luton Town

Notts County

Plymouth Argyle (Walking Football Cup Champions 2015)

Sheffield United

Move & Learn programme helps over 54,000 children get active

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Accrington Stanley are one of 26 EFL clubs who run the Kinder+Sport Move & Learn project, a school-based educational programme for children aged between 9-10 that has been developed by the EFL Trust and Ferrero.

Over 54,000 children have got active through the project that combines six weeks of practical sporting sessions with classroom sessions, encourages physical activity, promotes nutritional education and builds awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Accrington Stanley First Team player Billy Kee, who is also the Trust’s Health Ambassador said “It’s vital that we educate children from a young age on a healthy diet and encourage an active lifestyle. The Kinder +Sport Move and Learn Project is a really fun and interactive project engaging thousands of children each year. I’m extremely proud to be able to support such an important programme”.

Over the course of six weeks, children from year 5 classes spend 45 minutes in the classroom learning about the body, nutrition and the importance of exercise, through participating in interactive activities. The second half of the 90 minute session is dedicated to playing football, dodgeball or handball, with two weeks spent on each sport.

Mike Evans, Director of Operations at the EFL Trust said: “We’ve been working with Ferrero for three years now and seeing the programme go from strength to strength is incredible. The power of sport and the club badge allows our network of community trusts to deliver key messages, such as tackling obesity, to reach out to the wider community. This investment in helping to get future generations living well is invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work with Ferrero and our own network.”

To find out more about the work of Accrington Stanley Community Trust visit: http://www.stanleytrust.co.uk/

WATCH: The Kids Cup Wembley Experience

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The Championship and League Two Kids Cup Finals of the 2016/17 campaign took place last weekend as school children represented their local football clubs at Wembley.

Each of the 72 EFL clubs hosted a competition for their local schools where the winners earned the right to represent their club, play in their team colours and compete to win silverware.

More than 16,000 budding young footballers have taken part in this season’s six a side competition, with the hope to play at the national stadium in front of thousands of supporters.

The competition’s objective is to inspire children to be active, healthy and develop a strong sense of teamwork.

Watch the ‘behind the scenes’ videos below to see the youngsters live their dreams of representing their local football clubs at Wembley.

 

Championship Final: Derby County (Etwall Primary School) v Ipswich Town (Cedarwood Primary School)

League Two: Carlisle United (Newlaithes Junior School) v Wycombe Wanderers (Trevelyan Middle School)

Kinder + Sport

The Kinder+Sport programme is designed to promote active lifestyles through dynamic play and sports among children and their families, and has reached more than 4.1 million children in 25 countries to date.

In the UK, Kinder+Sport includes a number of initiatives. The Kinder+Sport Move and Learn is a national, school-based education programme delivered in partnership with the EFL Trust that helps children learn about the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Over six weeks, children spend nine hours participating in a range of sports and learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Ferrero also partners with the EFL Trust to deliver the Kinder+Sport Futsal Cup for the U16 age group, which also encourages children to get involved in sport and physical activity.

Overall, in the academic year 2016/17, Kinder+Sport, together with the EFL Trust, will have reached more than 60,000 children, helping them to be more active and learn about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Derby County win the Kinder+Sport Championship Kids Cup

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Derby County emerged victorious in the Kinder+Sport Championship Kids Cup Final, defeating Ipswich Town 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.

Etwall Primary School were the Rams’ winning representatives, while Cedarwood Primary School were representing the Tractor Boys, in a match played at Wembley Stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

Derby raced into an early lead when Jack Perry was put clear – he neatly finished beyond the goalkeeper from an acute angle.

It stayed 1-0 up until the break, and Ipswich came out firing on all cylinders, but the Rams defended doggedly to somehow keep the opposition at bay.

The Tractor Boys’ failure to make the pressure count eventually cost them, when captain Harry Hawkins struck a fierce effort into the bottom corner after his original effort from a free-kick was blocked.

With the final whistle imminent, Ipswich needed something special, and they got it. Reuben Swann, the Tractor Boys’ skipper, opted to go for goal straight from kick-off and the ball managed to find its way into the net. However, the referee did blow for full-time immediately after, meaning it was Wembley glory for Derby.

”It’s amazing, not many people get to do that,” goal scorer Hawkins said, reflecting on the final and the experience at the national stadium.

”We’ve worked so hard to get here. It was a once in a lifetime experience to walk up the Wembley steps and lift the trophy.”

Rick Overstone, co head teacher at Etwall Primary, added: ”I’m so proud, the boys have done so well. We’ve been really well supported in the process by Kinder, the EFL, and Derby County.

”The club have come and done a lot of coaching with the school and it’s worked brilliantly.”

The EFL Kids Cup, alongside the Girls Cup for under-13s, is sponsored by Ferrero and the Kinder+Sport programme. Encouraging children to be physically active and embrace the joy of moving is one of Ferrero’s key aims and core corporate social responsibility principles, both in the UK and globally. The Kinder+Sport programme is designed to promote active lifestyles through dynamic play and sports among children and their families, and has reached 15 million children in 27 countries to date.

In the UK, Kinder+Sport includes a number of initiatives. The Kinder+Sport Move and Learn programme is a national, school-based education programme delivered in partnership with The EFL Trust that helps children learn about the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Ferrero also partners with The EFL Trust to deliver two more national competitions, the Kinder+Sport Futsal Cup for the under-16 age group, and the Kinder+Sport Challenge Cup for the under-18s group.

Both competitions encourage children to get involved with sport and physical activity, whilst giving them a unique opportunity to play at football stadiums. Overall, in the academic year 2016/17, Kinder+Sport together with The EFL Trust will reach more than 47,000 children, helping them to be more active and learn about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

TEAMS

Derby County (represented by Etwall Primary): Leo Wilkinson (GK), Harry Hawkins (captain), Conor Livingstone, Aakish Shibu, Jack Perry, Ben Price, Sam Cheetham, Nick Dickens.

Ipswich Town: (represented by Cedarwood Primary): Theo Hume (GK), Davie Goffin, Regan Tuck, Josh Moore, Arun Maudhoo, Lushan Maudhoo, Harry Boon, Reuben Swann (captain)

Kits provided by Mitre.

Written by Alex Butcher, read more at EFL.com: http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/kindersport-championship-match-report-3726332.aspx#62UeXQHsEm52jKty.99

Carlisle United win the Kinder + Sport League Two Kids Cup

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Carlisle United emerged victorious in the Kinder+Sport League Two Kids Cup Final, defeating Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Newlaithes Junior School were the Cumbrians’ winning representatives, while Trevelyan Middle School were representing the Chairboys, in a match played at Wembley Stadium prior to the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final.

Carlisle took the lead in style when Charlie Parker nicked the ball past a defender and fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner from long range. 

It wasn’t long until they doubled their lead either, with Cavan Dand making it 2-0, heading home after another effort from distance deflected into his path. 

In the second half, the game was wrapped up by Jack Glendinning, who slid in to poke the ball beyond the Wycombe goalkeeper. 

 “It feels fantastic to win at Wembley,” Robbie Wilson, a winning pupil from Newlaithes Junior School, said.

“It was amazing to walk up the Wembley steps and lift the trophy. I won’t forget walking out here, the pitch is like a carpet.”

Jose Sanchez – sports leader and class teacher at Newlaithes – added: “It’s such a rewarding feeling that our hard work has paid off.

“We train every Friday in the cold and wet Carlisle weather. It teaches the boys some great life lessons, as well as football skills. We have to be active in life and the Kids Cup helps us to encourage that.

“I can only thank the EFL for putting forward this amazing initiative.”

The EFL Kids Cup, alongside the Girls Cup for under-13s, is sponsored by Ferrero’s Kinder+Sport programme. Encouraging children to be physically active and embrace the joy of moving is one of Ferrero’s key aims and core corporate social responsibility principles, both in the UK and globally. The Kinder+Sport programme is designed to promote active lifestyles through dynamic play and sports among children and their families, and has reached 15 million children in 27 countries to date.

In the UK, Kinder+Sport includes a number of initiatives. The Kinder+Sport Move and Learn programme is a national, school-based education programme delivered in partnership with The EFL Trust that helps children learn about the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Ferrero also partners with The EFL Trust to deliver two more national competitions, the Kinder+Sport Futsal Cup for the under-16 age group, and the Kinder+Sport Challenge Cup for the under-18s group.

Both competitions encourage children to get involved with sport and physical activity, whilst giving them a unique opportunity to play at football stadiums. Overall, in the academic year 2016/17, Kinder+Sport together with The EFL Trust will reach more than 47,000 children, helping them to be more active and learn about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

TEAMS

Carlisle United (represented by Newlaithes Junior): Kieren Bain (GK), Charlie Parker (captain), Jack Glendinning, Orin Tobin, Robbie Wilson, Jack Dudley, Ellis Moore, Cavan Dand.

Wycombe Wanderers: (represented by Trevelyan Middle): Freddie Ramsden-Head (GK), James Miller, Stoyan Llkov (captain), Jack Arnold, Max Kingsman, Finlay Creffield, Lockie Lee, Thomas Biddulph-Dunlop.

Kits provided by Mitre.

Written by Alex Butcher, read more at EFL.com: http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/kinder-sport-kids-cup-match-report-3726179.aspx#6CVOld2mSZXx6MhV.99

WATCH: EFL Trust Futsal Trophy Final Highlights

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Carlisle United became champions of the 2016-17 EFL Trust Futsal Trophy last week, after a terrific display during the finals at Derby Arena.

The competition which began in November, saw eight teams battle it out in the finals starting in two groups of four, with the top two teams of each group making the semi-final stages, and the winners of those making the grand final.

Carlisle United topped their group ahead of Portsmouth, Cambridge United and Mansfield Town and met Bristol City in the semi-final stages.

The other semi-final saw Southampton face rivals Portsmouth after they finished above Bristol City, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday in their group.

Carlisle United and Portsmouth were the victors of the semi-final stage, so both proceeded to the grand final.

Despite a late fight back from Portsmouth in the decider, the Cumbrians got their hands on the trophy with a 2-1 win.

Watch the video for highlights of the final below:

To find out more about our EFL Trust Futsal and Education programme visit: www.efltrust.com/futsal

Sheffield Utd win the Kinder+ Sport League One Kids Cup

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Sheffield United retained the Kinder+Sport League One Kids Cup after a thrilling penalty shoot-out over Oxford United at Wembley.

Norton Free Church of England Primary were the Blades’ representatives, while Our Lady’s Catholic Primary donned the yellow of Oxford, in a match played prior to the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final.

It was Oxford who took the early advantage — Princewill Ehibhatiomhan the first to react to a loose ball after a corner, and making no mistake from close range.

A corner led to the equaliser, too, and it came with the last touch of the first half. A game of head-tennis ensued in the box, and James Roberts was the Blades player to benefit, nodding home from a yard.

The second half saw two stunning strikes, with the pick of the bunch coming from Bradley Taylor. Working space on his left foot, the Sheffield United skipper thumped an unstoppable effort beyond the U’s goalkeeper to turn the game on its head.

However, Ehibhatiomhan doubled his tally with a low right-footed drive from range, and the sides couldn’t be separated again, resulting in a 2-2 draw… and penalties.

After three each, the sides were level at 2-2, taking it to sudden death. Sheffield United scored, Oxford missed, and the League One Kids Cup returned to South Yorkshire.

EFL Kids Cup, Oxford United (represented by Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School) vs Sheffield United (represented by Norton Free Cof E Primary School)

Reflecting on the game, winning captain Taylor said: “I can’t explain what it feels like to score at Wembley! It didn’t sink in until I saw my mum and dad celebrating. I’m so happy we’ve managed to win it.”

David Holland, assistant head of Norton Free C of E, added: “I’m over the moon. We came here last year and won it, and I cant believe it’s happened again — all the players were brilliant.

“It’s the best sports initiative I’ve come across. You get so many children playing football and enjoying it. These competitions are helping the kids’ dreams come true.

“When you enter your teaching career, you do it for moments like this. Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces is something I’ll never forget.”

The EFL Kids Cup, alongside the Girls Cup for under 13’s, is sponsored by Ferrero’s Kinder+Sport programme. Encouraging children to be physically active and embrace the joy of moving is one of Ferrero’s key aims and core corporate social responsibility principles, both in the UK and globally. The Kinder+Sport programme is designed to promote active lifestyles through dynamic play and sports among children and their families, and has reached 15 million children in 27 countries to date.

In the UK, Kinder+Sport includes a number of initiatives. The Kinder+Sport Move and Learn programme is a national, school-based education programme delivered in partnership with The EFL Trust that helps children learn about the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Ferrero also partners with The EFL Trust to deliver two more national competitions, the Kinder+Sport Futsal Cup for the under-16 age group, and the Kinder+Sport Challenge Cup for the under-18s group.

Both competitions encourage children to get involved with sport and physical activity, whilst giving them a unique opportunity to play at football stadiums. Overall, in the academic year 2016/17, Kinder+Sport together with The EFL Trust will reach more than 47,000 children, helping them to be more active and learn about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

TEAMS

Sheffield United (represented by Norton Free Church of England Primary): Charlie Calvert (GK), Charlie Tait, Sam Rimmer, James Roberts, Callum Howe, Bradley Taylor (C), Toby Woods, Alfie Songjam

Oxford United: (represented by Our Lady’s Catholic Primary): James Molloy (GK), Matthew Webb, Noah Ashton, Arjen Musoni, Ben Ogegbo Lopez, Kieran Walters, Princewill Ehibhatiomhan (C), Elijah Matthews

Kits provided by Mitre.

Written by Alex Butcher, read more at EFL.com: http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/kinder-sport-kids-cup-match-report-3721454.aspx

12 Teams walk into the 2017 EFL Trust Walking Football Cup Final

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This year, over 1500 men and women have represented their local football club in the Walking Football Cup whilst competing for a grand final place in June.

The slow-paced version of the beautiful game, aimed specifically at the over 50’s, has grown enormously over the last few years with proven health and social benefits of its participants. A survey completed during last year’s competition showed that 82% of participants believe their physical health has improved by playing walking football, with 79% of those competing in last year’s competition saying their level of exercise has increased.

Karen, a participant from Coventry City’s Walking Football team said: ”I used to play football and decided that I still wanted to be involved in some way, but as you get older it’s hard as you’re not as fast and fit anymore. So when I noticed that Coventry City had a Walking Football team I had to go down and play!

”I think it’s great for fitness as well as the social benefits. The great thing about Walking Football is you’re still playing the same sport and doing the same things, moving, tackling and shooting. It’s just a little bit slower!”

Over the last few weeks 6 regional finals have taken place across the country, with 72 teams battling for a spot in the grand final at Aston Villa’s training ground on 17th June 2017.

Here are the 12 finalists:

Blackpool FC (Walking Football Champions 2016)

Blackburn Rovers

Bradford City

Cheltenham Town

Colchester United

Dagenham & Redbridge

Gillingham FC

Kidderminster Harriers

Luton Town

Notts County

Plymouth Argyle (Walking Football Cup Champions 2015)

Sheffield United

EVERY PLAYER COUNTS: Disability football festival hosted at DW Stadium

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Over 60 young people from Wigan took part in a disability football festival at the DW Stadium yesterday, as a part of the Every Player Counts programme.

The Every Player Counts programme funded by the Wembley National Stadium Trust, supports the EFL Trust’s aim of increasing sports participation for all.

Club Trusts deliver activity through the programme, covering  a wide range of disabilities including wheelchair football, football for visual impairment, learning difficulties, amputees and autism. Giving many disabled people access to football for the first time.

Wigan Athletic Community Trust are one of 25 EFL Club Trusts who run the project, seeing coaches visit local schools on a weekly basis to provide free football and sports coaching for disabled young people.

Yesterday young people from four schools across Wigan had the opportunity to play on the DW Stadium pitch, a dream come true for many.

Leeane Conteh, Special Education Teacher at West Lancashire Community High School said: ”I was really impressed that the session was at the DW Stadium today and the students were delighted to get the chance of playing on the pitch.

”Usually they’d be doing their Maths and English lessons so it’s been great to see a different side to them out there today.

”’It’s brilliant to give every player an opportunity and teach them skills that they can then transfer into everyday life. It brings in respect, teamwork and important values.”

To find out more about Wigan Athletic Community Trust click here.

To find out more about Every Player Counts, please click here.