Latics players Beni and Divin Baningime celebrated EFL Day of Action at St Jude’s Primary School as the pair returned to their former school for an inclusive PE session.
The duo, who were educated at St Jude’s in Worsley Mesnes before moving on to secondary education at St John Fisher High School, took part in football and handball activities as Latics were celebrating their work in primary schools as part of this year’s EFL Day of Action activities.
Wigan Athletic Community Trust – who were recently named EFL North West Community Club of the Year – have worked with over 6,000 primary school children across Wigan Borough over the past year and have upskilled more than 250 teachers in PE as part of their schools provision.
More than 30 of the school’s pupils enjoyed a PE lesson with the Latics duo, which included Beni and Divin’s younger brother Joy and sister Jessica, who are in Year 6 and Year 2 respectively.
Beni said: “It felt a bit weird coming back to school if I’m being honest because it’s changed quite a lot since I was last here but it was good to see some of the teachers again and the children too.
He added: “It was strange because I’m no longer the little kid so I knew exactly how the children felt and they certainly had bundles of energy! It was really good to surprise Joy because he’s usually very loud but he didn’t know what to say when he saw me and Divin so that was really funny.”
The EFL Day of Action sees all 72 EFL teams come together to highlight the work undertaken to tackle some of society’s biggest issues, with club representatives attending special events.
Joy said: “One of my friends in Year 5 told me that my brothers were coming in to school and I didn’t believe him and thought he was lying, but when I saw them there in the hall it was a little bit crazy. It’s not every day your brothers come to school and play with you so I enjoyed it a lot.”
The Community Trust have worked with the school for the past two years delivering PE and extra-curricular sessions to pupils three times a week.
Dawn Stevens, Deputy Head Teacher at St Jude’s Primary School, said: “I was Divin’s teacher when he was at school and he was always such a happy pupil. He had a smile on his face at all times and was quite a character who would often be laughing and joking with everyone.
She added: “To have the pair of them back in school for the EFL Day of Action has been special and it’ll be a day we remember here for a very long time so I’d like to thank Latics for making it possible.”
For more information about Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s schools provision, please call Gareth Nolan on 01942 318090 or email [email protected]
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BJP_5662.jpg27963859EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-03-19 12:00:032019-03-22 12:30:27Wigan Athletic players visit former school as part of EFL Day of Action celebrations
The football club’s official charity helps inspire youngsters to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement and education. James Constable, known as Beano, played for United between 2008 and 2014 and scored 106 goals, making him the club’s all-time second highest goal scorer. As Patron, James will share his expertise and help shape and support initiatives where appropriate. The appointment comes as Oxford United in the Community celebrates its 30 year anniversary.
James said: “It’s an absolute honour to have been asked to be Patron of Oxford United in the Community and I jumped at the chance. I’ve such fond memories of my career at Oxford and have so many friends there. Community is so important and football clubs have such an opportunity to engage and help people and I’ve always viewed it as a privilege and responsibility. Oxford United in the Community plays a vital role in supporting people in the county and I’m looking forward to supporting the charity in any way I can.”
Chris Lowes, Head of Operations at Oxford United in the Community, said: “This is a major step for the charity. Having such a popular and engaging figure like James on-board will help us elevate the profile of Oxford United in the Community and empower us to deliver more results. We can’t wait to work with him and know his patronage and contribution will strengthen our cause.”
Greig Box Turnbull, Vice Chair of Trustees of Oxford United in the Community, added: “We wanted to appoint someone who understands the club, our community and the importance of the work the charity does. Plus, someone with an affinity for the club, fans and charity and who could help raise our profile. Beano was the obvious choice. He is a real role model who inspires so many in our community. When we spoke to James he jumped at the chance, which demonstrates his passion for Oxford.”
James joined fellow United legend Peter Rhoades-Brown as a Patron of Oxford United in the Community. Rosie was one of the pioneers of the community football initiatives in the late 1980’s which became the football charities of today.
Oxford United in the Community’s coaching staff deliver programmes in nursery and primary schools across Oxfordshire. They are qualified not only in football coaching, but in teaching interventions including Real PE, which focuses on the development of agility, balance and coordination, healthy competition and cooperative learning. The charity also delivers the popular Manor Club to the over 50’s to help tackle isolation in the older community.
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/OUITC-James-Constable-Patron-.jpg28803600EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-03-14 10:24:032019-03-15 12:18:59Oxford United in the Community announce James Constable as patron
As part of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the fantastic transformation of participants who believe that working with our Community Trusts have given them incredibly valuable experiences as they look to progress in their careers and studies.
After quickly impressing coaches on the EFL Trust Futsal games programme with Albion in the Community (AITC), Faye Williams, aged 16, was subsequently accepted onto the FA Disability National Emerging Talent Programme aimed at identifying future England internationals.
She believes the support she has received from AITC has been pivotal to her achievements.
She said: “AITC have been very supportive and they have really helped me improve my confidence as a player. I’m so proud to represent the Club I support and wear the badge.
“During my time with AITC, I have learned the importance of reaction time, developing more intelligence in the game, the importance of communication and I have more interest in my personal fitness levels too.
“The high level of coaching has really enabled me to achieve my dream of playing for England.”
The teenager, who has a hearing and language impairment, signed up to play with AITC having been involved with the Club Community Organisation for five years.
She was spotted by AITC’s Futsal Coach Chris Day, at the age of 12 during a school football tournament in 2014.
Currently, alongside playing for AITC’s EFL Trust Futsal team, Faye plays for AITC’s under-18’s disability team and the AITC Talent Hub.
Faye is the only girl among 80 students currently studying on AITC’s two full-time sports diploma courses, which combine academic study with daily futsal training and competitive fixtures.
Talking about her experience of being the only girl on the course, she said:
“When I heard I was going to be the only girl I was nervous, but I chose not to let it stand in my way.
“I’ve grown up playing football with boys and even my school was 75% boys so I’ve been used to it.
“My advice to any other girls interested in playing football or futsal would be to give it a try and if you’re passionate about it don’t let anything hold you back.
“It’s challenging, fast paced and very technical so it can really improve your game.”
Faye is a fantastic example of someone who won’t let anything stand in their way of achieving their goals.
Looking forwards, her dream is to represent England Women and her coach Chris Day has no doubt that if she keeps on putting in the hard work, her goal isn’t too far on the horizon.
“I truly believe Faye has the potential to become an international futsal player, and a very good coach within the game at some point if she wants.
“She recently impressed the International Futsal Academy at Loughborough University, when we took a group of students there, and I’d love to see her move there after she finishes with us in two years.
“She has been an absolute please to teach and is a great example of the benefits of having joined-up the pathway within the Albion in the Community scheme from aged 11 to 16 and beyond. The EFL Trust Futsal programme has been key to her development.”
Sarah McAdam, AITC’s BTEC Programme Manager added: “Faye is an incredibly resilient and committed individual who has impressed everyone with her determination to overcome barriers in order to succeed.”
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Faye-Williams.jpeg28484272EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-03-08 09:57:092019-03-08 16:50:01Faye’s story – Albion in the Community
As part of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the fantastic transformation of participants who believe that working with our Community Trusts have given them incredibly valuable experiences as they look to progress in their careers and studies.
Georgia Ward, aged 18, was a very shy and quiet individual when she first signed up with with Bristol City Community Trust (BCCT), but at the end of her course, involving education and playing Futsal, her hard work, determination and development in confidence enabled her to achieve her dream of securing a scholarship in America.
Making the decision to start a course in a new place around new people is never easy for any 16-year-old, and Georgia initially found this part difficult.
However, over the two years on the course, she came out of her shell and her confidence soared. She believes it’s the best decision she ever made.
She said: “It was a tough decision to study at Bristol City Community Trust as it meant going to a different place to all of my friends and meeting new people.
“I’m so glad I did it though, it has been a great experience and it’s definitely helped me get closer to my goals as the only path I see for me is one in the sports industry.”
Before playing futsal for the first time with BCCT, Georgia had a huge passion for football and states that she wasn’t sure about the differences between the two sports at first, but in time realised the many benefits that the smaller sided game has to offer.
“BCCT have helped me to improve massively in both the skilful and control side as well as helping to make quick decisions.”
During her time on her course, Georgia really made the most of the Clubs fantastic reputation in the community [Bristol City Community Trust were recently voted South West EFL Community Club of the Year 2019] by volunteering and engaging in over 200 hours of work experience.
Georgia had the opportunity to work alongside talented coaches and inspire a younger generation of children.
Chloe Rogers, Sports Lecturer at Bristol City Community Trust, who was Georgia’s coach at the time said: “To witness the development of Georgia’s confidence and watch her go from a quiet and shy individual to presenting in front of the other students and inspiring many little girls around our community as a volunteer coach is so fulfilling.
“Her work was always at a high standard and the endless amount of effort she put into helping the community was so impressive, from volunteering on our holiday camps, taster sessions, sports days, Bristol City Women’s matches and in primary schools with Maths and English. She really was a model student.
“As a reward for hitting a certain amount of volunteering hours we presented Georgia with a signed first-team shirt.
“However showing what a kind hearted girl she is and her passion for helping the community, she auctioned it off and donated the money to a local charity.”
After successful completion of the course, BCCT supported Georgia’s dream of playing in America and after organising her athlete profile she received a number of offers from colleges all over the USA. In the end, she chose to take advantage of a scholarship at Parkland College.
This is what Georgia had to say about her experience so far:
“After spending a couple of days in the nearest big city, Chicago, and moving in, meeting my roommates, the rest of the team and the coaches, I am very pleased with my decision.
“I would just like to thank everyone who was part of my experience at BCCT as I don’t know where I would be without it!”
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/JMP_Bristol_City_Headshots_MM537.jpg35282646EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-03-08 09:40:302019-03-08 16:50:18Georgia’s story – Bristol City Community Trust
95% of staff Walsall FC Community Programme have progressed through an apprenticeship…
Over 25 years, Walsall FC Community Programme has run a very successful Apprenticeship programme, in its varying guises since 1989.
95% of staff at Walsall FC Community Programme, including the current Community Director Adam Davy who joined the Club in 1994, have progressed through an Apprenticeship programme.
The programme has four new first year Sports Coaching Apprentices this year, as well as our first ever Digital Marketing Apprentice, working on WFCCP’s marketing and social media.
The Digital Marketing Apprentice is undertaking an 18-month qualification, and is helping grow Walsall FCCP’s marketing output alongside the scheme’s Marketing Officer. The apprenticeship includes:
BCS Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Coding
BCS Level 3 Certificate in Marketing Principles
Adam Davy, Community Director, said: “Our apprenticeships scheme goes from strength to strength and nothing highlights this more than the fact that we now have a Digital Marketing Apprentice added to our ranks, alongside the regular Sports Apprentices.
“It now means that we can further demonstrate the impact our work has in the local community by the addition of a further 35 hours of marketing and exposure each week. I’m really pleased with the work Mariette has produced for us in the short time she has been here. If all goes to plan she will become a valuable full-time member of staff in the future, and continue to grow the infrastructure of the whole team.”
Walsall FCCP also currently employ 6 full-time coaches, all of whom have previously been apprentices, and two of which completed the second year of their Apprenticeship last year, before becoming Assistant Community Officers in September.
Sports Apprentices complete the most up to date industry standard qualifications and our staff deliver Health, Education, Engagement and Sport programmes through our inclusive and diverse range of activities.
In Year 1 they complete;
AfPE Level 2
Level 2 NVQ in Activity Leadership
Key Skills Maths and English. (if Required)
In Year 2 the Apprentices complete;
AfPE Level 3
Apprentices also complete their FA Coaching Badges during their time at the Club. The experiences and qualifications gained enable Apprentices to apply for full time jobs with our Community Programme or within the Sports Industry. Over the years we have seen many Young People who have completed the Apprenticeship programme and have gone on to progress themselves further, these include;
Harry Rogers – 3 years apprenticeship – 2 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Sports coach at a local Primary School.
James Sellman – 2 years apprenticeship – 6 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Sports coach at a local Primary School.
Simon Bailey – 2 years apprenticeship – 4 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Sports coach at a local Primary School.
Dan Johns – 2 years apprenticeship – 4 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Sports coach at a local Primary School.
Adam Haywood – 2 years apprenticeship – 3 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Sports coach at a local Primary School.
Christopher Hearsey – 2 years apprenticeship – 3 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Learning mentor and teacher qualified status.
Jamie Hawkins – 2 years apprenticeship – 10 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Community Manager at a High School
Jamie Edwards – 2 years apprenticeship – 6 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Coaching for New York Red Bulls and running his own sports business in the State of New York USA.
James Fryer – 2 years apprenticeship – 2 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Strength and Conditioning Coach at Local Sports Centre.
James Holland – 2 years apprenticeship – Progressed to Coaching at WBA Community Trust.
John Hunter-Barret – 2 years apprenticeship – 2 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Lead Foundation Coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Katie Grainger – 2 years apprenticeship – 2 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Coaching WBA Community Trust.
Chris Shepherd – 2 years apprenticeship – 1 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to teacher at local high school.
Luke Tisdale – 1 year apprenticeship – Progressed to Foundation degree at university and Lead Youth phase Coach at Coventry City.
Scott Sumner – 2 years apprenticeship – 4 years employment with WFCCP – Progressed to Sports Coach at a local Primary School.
Community Manager for Education, Paul Larvin, said: “It’s going really well.
“Our programme has up-skilled a large number of 16 to 18-year-olds, who had no previous experience in the industry or coaching qualifications, and they’ve been employed by schools and other organisations.
“We’re really pleased with our apprenticeship programme as it helps us grow as a Department and Charity. We will be advertising for new Apprentices in the next month and look forward to seeing the next generation of Apprentices joining us”
Assistant Community Officer, Joe Roberts, added: “I really enjoyed my time as an Apprentice.
“I joined the Scheme in 2016 and worked hard to gain experience and pass my Qualifications. When a position within the Department became available, I was eager to apply and really pleased to be given the opportunity to begin full-time employment at Walsall FC. I am enjoying the role and I would encourage young people to consider Apprenticeships if they enjoy practical learning and want to work in the sports industry.”
More details regarding Walsall FC Community Programme can be seen on www.walsallfccp.co.uk, Facebook (Walsall FC Community Programme) and Twitter (@WFCCP)
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Team-photo-2.jpg28324256EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-03-05 12:50:372019-03-05 12:50:37Walsall Football Community Programme Apprenticeships going from strength to strength
Six EFL Clubs will be recognised at Parliament for their outstanding work in the community, the EFL has announced today.
As regional winners of the Checkatrade Community Club of the Year, six of the EFL’s 72 Clubs were selected for their innovative and ground breaking work across inclusion, community engagement, education and health. The 2019 winners are listed below alongside details of their showcase community projects.
Yorkshire & North East – Rotherham United
Building Stronger Communities – United impressed the judges with their response to their town’s priorities, focusing on anti-social behaviour, youth offending, health and community cohesion and integration. Rotherham’s ‘Building Stronger Communities’ project, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), was viewed as stand out, and focused on improving the lives of individuals in the community, based around the themes of English language support and cohesion.
North West – Wigan Athletic
A key project that caught the judges’ attention, Pathway 2 Participation, is a mentoring project working with some of the most vulnerable young people in Wigan focussing on one of the top 10% of deprived neighbourhoods in the country. The project helps young people and works hand-in-hand with a range of supporting agencies including schools, youth justice agencies and mental health services to help them through the challenges they face.
Midlands – Coventry City
Turn2Us is a school holiday programme that offers families with children, who receive free school meals during term times, the chance to maintain a healthy diet throughout the year. Operating in an area of high deprivation, the Community team welcome children several days a week, providing meals, activities and workshops for their families.
London – Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Ranger’s continued support for the individuals in their community in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster has created a stand out project, using therapeutic interventions to support primary school children directly or indirectly affected by the tragedy in 2017.
South East – Portsmouth
Portsmouth impressed the panel with their ongoing innovative work for a wide range of individuals in their Community – their youngest participant is three and their oldest 101. Their groundbreaking project, based on a restorative justice approach for young fans involved in violence at Portsmouth games, was universally applauded by the judges.
South West – Bristol City
Bristol City’s education and employability projects and outcomes impressed the judges this year. The environment created for learning and the commitment of the team to support students beyond their learning experience proved a standout to the panel. The ongoing work of their Youth Council also continues to impress and highlights the importance and potential of young people in our communities.
The six Clubs will be honoured at the House of Commons on Monday 4 March to receive their awards with EFL Interim Chair Debbie Jevans, EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey and host Hayley McQueen all confirmed to attend. The overall winner of the 2019 Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Award will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday 7 April in central London.
EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “Football Clubs play such an important part in communities up and down the country so it is essential we recognise their fantastic work. “This is the third time we have held the Parliamentary event to recognise the Checkatrade Community Club of the Year regional winners and I am once again hugely impressed by the dedication and commitment shown by our Clubs in tackling some of the most challenging issues in society. “They play an important role in dealing with issues such as homelessness, reducing crime and improving health and education. This life-changing work can make a significant difference to some of our most vulnerable people and is testament to the power of football as a force for good.”
The EFL received strong submissions from a wide range of Clubs with the panel marking the applications on social impact and their showcase projects.
The six regional winners were selected by an independent judging panel including, The Times’ Chief Football Writer, Henry Winter; Clive Efford MP; Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at The PFA John Hudson; The Daily Mail’s Laura Lambert and the EFL Trust Director of Operations, Mike Evans.
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/EFL-Awards-2019_CCOY_Regional-Winners-Group-002.jpg6301200EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-02-28 14:01:542019-02-28 13:28:25Six Winners of Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Revealed
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s support of the local Islamic community has helped the charity to win its first ever accolade at the British Muslim Awards.
The official community outreach arm of the football club were named as the ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ winners at the national awards ceremony on Wednesday night, in recognition of their tireless efforts to offer experiences and opportunities for the benefit of Blackburn with Darwen’s Muslim residents.
A delegation from the charity travelled to West Yorkshire to attend the ceremony at The Bradford Hotel, where they were recognised for the range and diversity of the projects they have offered to that section of the local community, including citizenship and anti-racism programmes, hosting inter-faith sports tournaments, supporting aid appeals from Islamic charities and offering stadium visits and coaching sessions for refugees and asylum seekers.
Much of the work that was recognised on the night is coordinated by the Community Trust’s community inclusion manager, Ilyas Patel, who was overwhelmed at being recognised as one of 30 award-winners at the nation-wide celebration.
“I’m just so shocked to be honest,” he admitted. “It was unexpected, but it’s great that a national award has recognised the work that we’re doing in our local community.
“I’ve accepted the award on behalf of everyone at the Community Trust who work so hard – day in, day out. Making a difference to our community is what we do every day.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone within our charity and the support from the football club for giving the platform to achieve this success, as well as those within our local community who kindly nominated us to be in contention for this prize. It’s heartening to know that they really value what we’re doing.”
The British Muslim Awards are in their seventh year and exist to recognise the wide range of achievements from outstanding individuals across the UK who positively impact business, charity, sport, arts, culture, religious advocacy, education and medicine.
The Community Trust’s triumph was its fourth major award in the past 12 months, having also been recognised for its contribution to local society at the most recent EFL Awards, HIVE Awards and Northwest Football Awards.
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/British-Muslim-Award-win-2.jpeg30244032EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-02-22 09:46:582019-02-22 09:46:58Another national award for Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
• Reece is an NCS graduate having taken part in last year’s programme. • He now studies an 18-month apprenticeship with the Community Trust. • Latics’ game against Stoke City on Wednesday night is an #NCSMatchDay.
For 17-year-old Latics fan Reece Webster, Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s National Citizen Service programme has helped to develop him as a person as well as provide him with exciting opportunities to continue his educational development with the club’s official charity.
Reece, who first started out on the Train with Latics course and now studies an 18-month apprenticeship with the Community Trust, credits NCS for helping him to improve his confidence and self-esteem having taken part in the scheme last year.
A national programme which aims to improve the confidence, leadership and teamwork skills of youngsters aged 15-17, NCS gives them the opportunity to gain invaluable work and life experiences.
As part of a wider EFL Trust campaign, Latics’ game against Stoke City at the DW Stadium on Wednesday night will be the club’s dedicated #NCSMatchDay which will see coaches from the Trust promote the programme to youngsters in the Family Zone underneath the East Stand.
Reece said: “I picked up so many different skills on NCS, things like people-skills, communication, confidence and decision-making, all of which have helped me to become a better person.
“Confidence is the biggest change in me though, I’m now a lot more confident and don’t really know where I’d be without the NCS programme, it’s been a really big help.”
Broken into four phases; adventure, discovery, social action project and graduation, NCS gives participants the chance to take on new challenges, complete various activities, make long-lasting friendships and develop skills that will support them with the transition to adulthood.
“I’ve met so many new people and have made lots of friends as part of NCS, some of which I probably would never have met if I hadn’t have signed-up to the programme.
“Even though I was a little bit nervous at the start of it all, I’m so glad I kept at it because I really enjoyed myself and it was one of the best experiences of my life and it led me to gaining a place on the Community Trust’s apprenticeship programme which I was delighted about.
“I now help to deliver PE and school sport sessions in primary schools across Wigan, which has further helped me to develop my skills and increase my confidence.
“I’d 100% recommend NCS to any young person in Wigan because it provides you with some unbelievable experiences and memories.”
Are you a current Year 11 or 12 student and want to know more about Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s NCS project?
Please email NCS manager Mick Whittle on [email protected] or call 01942 318090 for further information about the programme.
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/WA1_0951.jpg40006000EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-02-13 19:00:242019-02-13 16:46:59Reece: “I don’t know where i’d be without the NCS programme.”
Like most teenagers, Joe, from Sheffield, wasn’t sure what to do in life or what options were available to him for his future; until he did NCS with Sheffield United Football Club back in the summer of 2012.
Joe was one of the first teens to take part in NCS, not knowing the impact it would have on his life. He was part of the first and only national graduation that took place at the O2 Arena in London which was followed by a seat at Wembley to watch England in a World Cup Qualifier.
At the time, Joe felt that learning in a classroom environment wasn’t for him and he was adamant about not going into further education, until Chris Bailey, who was Education Manager at Sheffield United Community Foundation opened Joe’s eyes to the opportunities at the Club.
Eventually, Joe enrolled onto a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport with Sheffield United and went on to achieve a First Class BSc (Hons) in Sport Development with Coaching at Sheffield Hallam University.
Chris Bailey, now Head of Sheffield United Community Foundation, met Joe on NCS in 2012:
“Joe was a bit of a challenge to start with, but the investment of our time with him paid off tenfold. Two years after Joe had achieved a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport, he earned himself a place at University.
“Not to mention, Joe represented SUFC in the Futsal National Finals, winning trophies and accolades along the way. Not bad for someone who didn’t want to go on and continue his studies.”
Whilst studying at University, Joe volunteered his time on the NCS programme, drawing on his experience to support other teens on the programme at a number of south Yorkshire Clubs including Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday before eventually landing a full time role as NCS Recruitment Engagement Officer at Sheffield United.
Joe spoke about NCS:
“NCS and Sheffield United really opened my eyes to opportunities I didn’t know were available.
“Working full time on NCS is an incredible. I am now in a privileged position to give back to NCS and support teenagers who were in similar situation to me.”
Chris was delighted to have Joe full time on the programme where he started his journey six years ago:
“When I found out Joe had applied to join the Foundation as an employee on NCS, I knew instantly that we had a very trustworthy and committed young man.
“Fortunately our NCS Manager thought the same, and Joe became an employee in 2018. It’s amazing what you can achieve by saying yes to the programme.”
#NCSMatchDay
Sheffield United are 1 of 22 other clubs across the EFL and Premier League who will be hosting an NCS Match Day in February. NCS Match Day is an annual event championed by EFL Trust to celebrate the positive impact that young people are having in local communities across the country. The club’s first team players will have an important role to play by warming up in NCS branded t shirts and meeting programme graduates.
Cambridge United’s ‘Mind Your Head’ programme has been cited in an All-Party Parliamentary Group report as an example of good practice in the mental health sector.
The report, which was prepared by a working group of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood programme, quotes ‘Mind Your Head’ on pages 53-55 as “an example of a successful practice based evidence programme that is certainly capable of successful adoption and replication in other school settings.”
The programme, which is delivered through Cambridge United Community Trust in partnership with Cambridge youth mental-health charity Centre 33, aims at helping secondary school children deal better with stress and anxiety.
To date, the programme has been delivered to more than 1000 students over six sessions that destigmatize mental health, educate young people about how to deal with stress and also encourage young people to discuss how social media can both positively and negatively affect their well-being.
Talking about the impact of the programme, Adrian Bradley, Head of Sport and Health at EFL Trust said:
“It’s excellent to see the Mind Your Head project cited in the report and it is a good example of the large amount of work going on at EFL Clubs helping their communities to tackle mental health issues.’’
Paul Farmer, CEO of MIND, praised the Club’s approach. He said:
“It’s great to see Cambridge United taking such a strong leadership position in putting mental health at the heart of football. Their ambition to be a mentally healthy club, supported by their practical action plan, is a model for the game. Mind’s partnership with the EFL is seeing clubs across the country starting to take action, working together with local Minds…I’m delighted to see the CUFC approach in the club and community taking shape.”
Ben Szreter, Cambridge United Community Trust CEO, said:
“We’re flattered to have had recognition within parliament for our Mind Your Head schools programme. Cambridge United’s ambition to be a mentally healthy football club has taken shape over the last year or so across the football club and we’re pleased to be able to help to open up conversations about mental health and destigmatise the issue.”
https://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Snapshot_2.jpg10801920EFL Trusthttps://www.efltrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/efltrustlogo.pngEFL Trust2019-02-06 13:00:482019-02-06 16:21:27Cambridge United Community Trust’s ‘Mind Your Head’ programme highlighted as example of good practice in Parliament report
This website uses cookies to improve your experience by allowing the website to recognise you on subsequent visits and make navigation quicker,. We do not collect any personal data or share data with third parties. Press accept to opt-in to use of cookies on this site.AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
