Ethan spends his summer developing a new found confidence on NCS

As Covid-19 wreaked chaos with young people’s education, Ethan Bryson was a year 11 leaver who, like thousands of others finished school early without the usual fanfare and a definitive plan for the long summer stretching ahead of him. This was until he signed up to take part in the NCS (National Citizen Service) programme.

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PORT VALE’S CAROL SHANAHAN OBE NAMED AS EFL TRUST BOARD MEMBER

The EFL is delighted to announce that Carol Shanahan OBE – Chair of Port Vale and Trustee of the Port Vale Foundation – has been named as a member on the EFL Trust Board.

Carol will join the EFL Trust Board, the charitable arm of the EFL, as an EFL nominated representative and will also chair the Advisory Group.

Following her appointment, Carol will join Lincoln City’s Liam Scully, who was recently announced as EFL Trust Chair to succeed John Nixon, alongside Debbie Jevans CBE and Andy Williamson OBE as EFL nominated Trustees.

Carol is the Founder and Trustee of the Hubb Foundation – a charity based in the Potteries, which operates from schools and community centres, supporting children and their families with food and activities during school holidays. In October 2020, she was awarded an OBE for services to the community in Stoke-on-Trent. Carol said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to the EFL Trust Board and look forward to working with the committee. We have seen at Port Vale during the pandemic and lockdowns how the club can become a genuine community hub – a beacon of light during difficult times. I passionately believe in the power of football and football clubs to make a difference in their communities by harnessing their networks and using sport to affect positive change for all.”

EFL Trust Chair, John Nixon said:

“The impact that Carol has had both on the Football Club and the Foundation has been nothing short of magnificent and we’re delighted to be able to welcome her onto the EFL Trust Board. Her work at Port Vale has brought the supporters closer to their Club, and we have no doubt that Carol will add significant know-how as part of her new role on behalf of the EFL.”

EFL Chair, Ricky Parry said:

“It is hugely important that we have direct links to Clubs and CCO’s on the Board of Trustees and there is no better way than through a Club owner. Since taking the reins at Vale Park, she has helped bring both Club and CCO closer together during a particularly challenging period, both on and off the pitch, and that commitment gained deserved recognition as Port Vale were named the Your Move Community Club of the Year at the 2021 EFL Awards. Carol’s knowledge, understanding and vast experience from the charitable work undertaken within her community will be hugely beneficial for the EFL Trust moving forwards.”

Who Cares Wins: Derby’s County’s Luke Wilkinson Nominated For National Award

Luke Wilkinson, a Health Leader with Derby County Community Trust, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national Who Cares Wins award, in the Mental Health Hero category.

Organised by The Sun, the awards were set up in 2017 to celebrate and thank the NHS and healthcare heroes, key workers and ordinary people who care for us.

Luke has been a member of staff at the Rams for 15 years, starting out as a coach who worked casual hours before gaining full time employment, delivering activity in schools. He moved across to work on Health projects in 2011 and has spent the last decade working to lessen health inequalities across various programmes.

The Who Cares Wins nomination was collated by participants of the Team Talk project, which he has overseen since it began as a pilot project back in 2018. The project began when a member of staff from the football club suggested using the power of Derby County to support males going through difficult times, and it has gone from strength to strength.

On being shortlisted for the prestigious award, Luke said:

“To be nominated is such a privilege. This nomination is for the project, and how far it has come, for all the males who have attended our sessions, and for the staff and partners who work so hard to make the sessions possible.”

Sharon Dale, Health Manager at the Derby County Community Trust, said:

“Luke’s dedication to the Team Talk project has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues and more importantly, its participants. For this nomination to have been supported by the participants themselves is a huge testament to the work that he puts in, and this nomination is justly deserved.”

Harley Hollinshead, who worked with the Community Trust to submit the nomination, added:

“What has really pulled us through is seeing Luke’s adaptability [over lockdown], empathy and a bright smile on his face. I have learnt a lot from Luke in terms of how to conduct yourself in a good manner when the chips are down. After speaking with others who attend Team Talk, we all echo the same thought. Luke is the most kind-hearted, dedicated man you will ever meet.”

The awards will be judged by a stellar line up, including Anthony Joshua, Kate Garraway and Matt Lucas, before the awards take place in September. They will be televised for the first time on Channel 4 with further details being circulated soon.

 

Young People on NCS transform local underpass for local public and football fans

Young people on Shrewsbury Town in the Community’s (STiTC) NCS programme  have received huge praise following their STFC-themed renovation of a once daunting underpass en-route to New Meadow. Read more

Rishi Sunak praises NCS young people making a difference

Rishi Sunak has praised the passion and commitment of a group of young people from Yorkshire who gave up part of the summer holiday for the benefit of the community. Read more

Accrington Stanley Community Trust Provides Madeline With New Start

As a result of the global pandemic, difficult circumstances surrounding employment and the workplace led to people exploring job options outside of their comfort zone or usual field. Read more

Specialist College Students Create Pondlife For Local Infant School in Doncaster

16 young people from Doncaster have embraced the opportunity of taking part in NCS with Club Doncaster Foundation. In return, they have volunteered their time at a local infants school to revamp their outdoor area alongside the younger pupils.  Read more

Helping Daughters and Dads Connect Through Football

Laura Everton, 26, is passionate about sport. As the Health Development Officer for Fulham FC Foundation, she manages the partnership with Women In Sport and delivers their programme of ‘Daughters and Dads: Active and Empowered’. Read more

NCS Teens Raise Funds For Local Mental Health Charity

Sixteen young people who participated in National Citizen Service (NCS) during June have volunteered 500 hours raising almost £100 for local charity, Harrogate Mind. Read more

Living Life to the full through football

Stephen Preedy has practically become part of the fixtures and fittings in and around Sutton United’s football ground. He’s been a Sutton FC fan since his friend asked him to go to a match in 2012 and that began a chapter in his life that has brought untold benefits in so many ways. Read more