Donny players are set to celebrate the impact 400 young people, including Charlotte and Sophia, have had whilst on NCS.

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Today, during Doncaster Rovers fixture against Plymouth Argyle, Doncaster Rovers players will celebrate the impact young people have had whilst on NCS (National Citizen Service).

Each year, EFL Clubs promote NCS and the impact it has had on young people from through a campaign called #NCSMatchday. Club Doncaster works with EFL Trust alongside a network of partners to promote and deliver the NCS programme to teenagers.

Sophia and Charlotte are amongst 400 young people who Club Doncaster Foundation have supported despite the challenging times. The pair met whilst on NCS in Summer 2021 and were given the opportunity to turn their passion of helping people, into action, through the delivery of a social action project.

Designed for 16-17-year-olds, NCS offers an inclusive summer programme that helps young people get the skills, experience and self-belief they need to achieve their potential – and smash their future goals. NCS aims to make a life-changing difference to young people and how they approach life after school.

Sophia and Charlotte, along with their group, volunteered at Bentley Urban Farm (BUF). BUF is an upcycled outdoor space used by community groups from Doncaster. They use reclaimed materials to teach people how to grow food and make art and music, as well as providing a space where people can reconnect with nature.

Sophia’s group decorated the site, adding splashes of colour to this community asset, they hosted an upcycled fashion show to stress the importance of sustainability. Despite being in the absence of volunteers over the past year due to Covid-19, the group restored the site to its former glory through weeding and other gardening tasks.

Sophia discussed with us her experiences on her social action project:

“Whilst at Bentley Urban Farm, we were given the freedom to get creative with the materials available to us. One morning, as we watched the joy on visitors faces as they saw existing artwork on display, Charlotte and I decided we wanted to create something which was not only art but something that was usable as well. With this in mind, we set to work painting an old and tired bench”.

Sophia and Charlotte made a substantial impact, as they incorporated their imaginative minds within the real world through art. Over the next couple of days, Sophia and Charlotte transformed the once tired, rugged-down bench, into a now beautiful landscape.

Not only had Charlotte and Sophia created a wonderful piece of artwork, but they had also achieved their aim in making usable art, which is guaranteed to make people smile for years to come. So much so, that the bench was then relocated to Doncaster Town Centre as part of the ArtBomb exhibition!

When asked about NCS, Sophia stated:

“I signed up to NCS mainly to build confidence, learn new skills and meet new people and throughout the programme I have definitely achieved all of the above and much more! Being able to give back to my local community was also really great”.

“We were thrilled when our bench was displayed as part of the ArtBomb Exhibition and knowing we made people smile with what we created is fantastic. NCS is brilliant regardless of the direction you want to go in, I learnt so many skills and I will benefit from this for years to come”.

Young people from Doncaster and Selby have navigated through Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions to build skills, confidence and most importantly, give back to their local communities through social action and community partnerships whilst on NCS. In total, young people dedicated over 11,000 hours to social action projects such as social isolation, the environment and helping the disadvantaged.

To find out more about NCS, click here.

Degree course with Milton Keynes SET has rewarded Ethan with a paid coaching role

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After graduating from the University of South Wales degree programme with Milton Keynes Sports and Education Trust, Ethan was offered a paid role as a Sports Development Coach.

Ethan has always been involved in football, starting his playing career at age 5 and his journey has taken him all across the football pyramid but made the decision his focus would be homed in on his coaching career. Therefore, he committed much of his time to gain exposure in the coaching community across community-based programmes, elite development centres and the women’s game.

After completing a Level 3 BTEC in Sport where he gained a triple Distinction* grade, Ethan undertook the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development in the Community. He then added to his qualifications by completing an optional third year in BSc (Hons) Community Football Coaching and Administration.

Prior to the course, Ethan’s love and passion for the game were evident as he had already tried to get involved in coaching in any way he possibly could from shadowing other coaches sessions to reading around the industry and his interests. Consequently, he stood himself in great stead when he came to partaking in and completing his degree.

Ethan said: “I thoroughly enjoyed studying on the course as it provided me with all the relevant knowledge of the industry, which eventually led to opportunities of employment. I feel that from both the delivery and academic perspective, the course offered more than sufficient support.”

With a wealth of volunteering experience in both supporting and leading in the delivery of sessions, Ethan was offered a paid role within the Trust as a Sports Development Coach. Jack Sharpe, Head of Football and Performance comments: “Ethan has become an integral member of the Football Development Team, taking on board responsibility for a number of projects across community & elite football. His education background has enabled him to have an understanding, awareness & empathy for the world of sport, usually demonstrated by individuals more senior with a greater wealth of experience.”

Ethan is a key example of how hard work, passion and dedication can help you in achieving your goals within the game.

The degree course is one of several degrees offered at EFL Club’s across the country in partnership with the University of South Wales. The degree provides the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or other national sports governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development.  Students are uniquely based within their own local football Clubs where they gain valuable first-hand experience of working in a community sports environment with a minimum of five days per year at the USW Sport Park, a £3.7m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre.

For more information click here.

https://www.efltrust.com/degrees-in-football-and-sport-coaching/

Sarah-Jayne has ambitions to be a national team coach after suceess on the degree programme with Carlise United

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Sarah-Jayne’s continuing journey in partnership with Carlisle United and the University of South Wales has seen her take on coaching responsibilities in a variety of sports.

Having completed the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development in the Community, Sarah is currently studying towards BSc (Hons) Community Football Coaching and Administration. Sarah’s confidence, desire, and passion to pursue a career in professional coaching have been rewarded in several ways. Last year she was the recipient of The Harry Armstrong Award for her outstanding work towards her degree, as well as this she is a part-time coach at both Cumbria Cricket and Carlisle United Community Trust. Moreover, Sarah’s coaching ability transcends into both sports as she is also an academy coach at Cumbria Football Academy and lead coach for Cumbria County Cricket Club girls U13’s and U15’s.

With a range of sports already on her agenda, Sarah-Jayne credited the programmes work-based learning approach. She explained: “It’s developed me a lot more in terms of being a football coach because that’s what a lot of the learning is from but delivering in schools is more focused on multi-sport and fundamental movement skills so that all correlate to all different sports, it’s prepared me to even go and deliver a hockey session.”

Moreover, the nature of the degree demands individuals to enter professional workplaces, something Sarah credits to giving her a lot more confidence compared to her old self who wouldn’t want to be pushed out of her comfort zone.

The practical element to the course was something that “stuck out” to Sarah prior to enrolling as work-based learning allows learners to tailor their interests whilst participating and learning on the job.

She said: “I get a lot more out of it, the enjoyment is there because it’s what I enjoy doing but I’m not one to sit down in a classroom all day so in school when you are doing that, your mind wanders on to something else and I’m not focused on what I’m supposed to be doing. If I’m out in a school all-day coaching then I must be switched on all day, I’m enjoying it and I’m learning from other coaches so it’s a lot more enjoyable and beneficial for me.”

With an impressive coaching CV already to her name, Sarah has big aspirations in her coaching career. She explains: “My ultimate goal is to say I coach for a national team whether that’s part of the England coaching set up or the age groups.”

Consequently, Sarah’s journey at the University of South Wales is one that proves although, in partnership with her football club, it has broadened her horizons into other sports and seen her succeed in both avenues.

The degree course is one of several degrees offered at EFL Club’s across the country in partnership with the University of South Wales. The degree provides the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or other national sports governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development.  Students are uniquely based within their own local football Clubs where they gain valuable first-hand experience of working in a community sports environment with a minimum of five days per year at the USW Sport Park, a £3.7m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre.

For more information click here.

https://www.efltrust.com/degrees-in-football-and-sport-coaching/

 

Degree Course with MK Dons SET has seen Owen progress into his dream career path despite struggling academically

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Owen has secured himself a paid role with MK Dons Sports and Education Trust after huge progress on the course despite self-admittedly not being the most academic individual.

Prior to enrolling on the course, Owen’s life was football-focused having attended Denbigh Football Academy, but he picked up a serious knee injury that would eventually require a knee replacement. Although a hard thought to process, Owen channelled his frustration into considering other career paths in the sport which is where he found his desire to work as a coach.

Owen was always very aware of the focus that was required in both work and study but felt his immaturity often got the better of him and led him to regularly lose his way or give up on tasks. However, he made the decision to go and find voluntary work at MK Dons SET for eight months prior to him starting his foundation degree; a decision that has paid dividends to his personal and professional development.

He started the programme with impressive subject knowledge but his attitude let him down in terms of his initial success but as the course progressed, as did Owen as he started to show great leadership qualities and resourcefulness in his study.

His continuous development was lauded by Kelly Day, MK Dons SET Community and Inclusion Officer, she said: “Owen has been coaching with us since October, initially he began with just the Pan-Disability and Mental Health players but has now moved into coaching the youth teams as well and is going to take on an Under 16s team for league competition as well.  He has built a good relationship with all the players and the other coaches in a really short period of time which has aided his delivery and is a testament to his likeable character.  He struggled slightly to adapt to sessions in the beginning, due to the array of disabilities and needs within the cohorts, but he has been confident enough to ask for help with this to the point where he is now leading and delivering good sessions and is able to adapt these where needed.”

Owen highlights his work as something he’s “always dreamt about” and shows real admiration and thanks to those involved at the programme. He explained: “I feel like that I’ve changed a lot especially with doing my work at home and not leaving deadlines to the last day. In early September (when still a volunteer coach) I got asked if I could cover an inclusion football session.  I decided that as I had nothing on a Thursday during the day, I would volunteer.  It went really well, and I got asked if I wanted to carry on with it and if I wanted to pick up extra hours with inclusion at the weekend.  I agreed to this and then it started to be every Thursday and Sunday.   At the end of the month, Kelly (Inclusion football officer) asked if I needed a timesheet to be signed.  I told her I’m not a causal coach and only a volunteer.  After that, she offered me a role in casual coaching which I am still grateful for today I also got more hours within inclusion, and I am now doing schools as well. This has been a big achievement for me but only the start of something new.”

From a boy who struggled, to a man who is continuously pushing his own development; Owen is an example of how the course allows individuals to succeed both on and off the pitch.

The degree course is one of several degrees offered at EFL Club’s across the country in partnership with the University of South Wales. The degree provides the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or other national sports governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development.  Students are uniquely based within their own local football Clubs where they gain valuable first-hand experience of working in a community sports environment with a minimum of five days per year at the USW Sport Park, a £3.7m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre.

For more information on the degree click here.

 

 

Young people from Barnsley cycled and walked 2,500 miles to support struggling families

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Christmas is mostly a period of celebrations and joy for most, however it can provide extenuating difficulties for some families. Recognising this, a group of Changemakers, aged, 16-18, from Reds in the Community (Barnsley FC) set out to suppoort families ahead of the festive period. Read more

Preston North End’s Big Sleep Out See’s Success As Tenants Move In To The Foxton Centre’s Renovated Housing First Property

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Two Tenants have moved into Foxton Centre’s Housing First property in Ashton-on-Ribble.

Preston North End hosted a Big Sleep Out in 2019 that fundraised a staggering £90,000 for the charity to proceed in renovating the house to become inhabitable.

The Foxton Centre launched the Housing First scheme to provide quality accommodation for the use of rough sleepers a number of years ago and it was ultimately funded by the Big PNE Sleep Out fundraising event at Deepdale two years ago.

The event, on Friday 15th November 2019, saw 300 people bed down for the night on the Deepdale concourse, under harsh wintery conditions, to show solidarity with the city’s homeless. Their support comfortably surpassing the initial £50,000 target.

The Big PNE Sleep Out was delivered by Preston North End Community and Education Trust in partnership with The Foxton Centre, Blog Preston and Biffa.

A property in Ashton-on-Ribble was purchased in October 2020 and renovations have been on-going for the last 14 months to convert it into two one-bedroom flats.

While work was affected and delayed in some cases by the changing landscape of the world in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, all renovations have now been completed, allowing two tenants to move into each of the newly finished one-bedroom flats.

Chief Executive of The Foxton Centre Jeff Marsh said: “It doesn’t seem like two years since we all spent the night at Deepdale for the Sleep Out; what an amazing night it was. We smashed our fundraising target, almost doubling it.

“Since then, and despite the Covid pandemic, a house has been bought and totally renovated, and this week two tenants moved in. They are really excited, as is our team, and everyone involved can be rightly proud.

“The guys moving into the house have a fantastic opportunity. We get such amazing support from the community here in Preston and it’s great to be able to show everyone what has been achieved. Let’s hope for a better future for next year for everyone.”

Project Manager of the renovations, Ron Ashley, added: “Having spent a few months viewing several properties, the property with the right configuration and price was found in Ashton, with purchase completed in October 2020.

“Over the following months we had the plans drawn up and submitted to the local planning department, passing all the building regulation requirements to allow us to convert a normal three-bedroom terrace into two one-bedroom flats.

“This process has involved a variety of trades during the property transition. With the skill of all these people involved, we have now completed our journey to provide quality accommodation for two people, who have now been given the opportunity of moving into their own flats for Christmas 2021.

“From a personal point of view, it has been a privilege to have been involved with this project, having been associated with The Foxton Centre for over forty years. I would also like to say a big thank you to all the trades who have worked with me to complete this project, they have all given in their own way and it has been a pleasure.”

PNECET Chief Executive Tom Drake said: “We’re delighted that the Foxton Centre has been able to move two tenants into the house purchased as a result of the Big PNE Sleep Out.

“The house leaves a lasting legacy of the efforts of so many from the Sleep Out in 2019 and it’s fantastic to know that there are now service users of the Foxton Centre benefitting from the scheme.”

The renovation process has involved a number of generous local businesses, individuals and suppliers who donated their time and expertise in the transformation of the property, all of whom are listed below.

Kitchens were provided by Howdens (Leyland Branch), white appliances from Appliance Technology, flooring from Clean Cut Carpets and sound testing from Redfan Solution.

  • Electrics: Nigel Vale
  • Central Heating Systems: Martin Fox Ltd
  • Plumbing, bathrooms and kitchens: Anthony Bradley
  • Plastering: Sean Lee
  • Joinery: James Fletcher
  • Double glazing, brickwork and waste removal: Dave Ball
  • Painting and decorating: Anthony O’Neill
  • Plans and drawings: Stuart Barnes
  • Roof repairs: John Jackson
  • Miscellaneous expenses and costs: Donation from the Screwfix Foundation
  • Property sourcing and project management: Ron Ashley

A signed and framed Louis Moult PNE shirt is also hung on the wall on entrance to the property, with the former North End striker having made an appearance on the night of the Sleep Out in 2019 and visited the Foxton Centre on several occasions during his time at Deepdale.

FIT FANS will help you achieve your goals in 2022!

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As we transition into the New Year, you may have set the stereotypical get fitter resolution but lack the knowledge and tools to make a sustainable change. You might be looking at purchasing a gym membership or that magic latest diet fad but before you do be sure to check out your local football club and their FIT FANS initiative; it’s FREE, inclusive and fun!

The programme enables people to learn and put into practice small, consistent changes to improve their health.

Funded by Sport England through the National Lottery and run at around 40 EFL Clubs across the country. It is a free health programme for men and women aged 35-65 who are looking to lose weight, get fitter and lead a more active life.

Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change and weight loss is sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount.  Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in blood pressure and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

However, the benefits extend much further than just weight loss, with many participants commenting on the positive effects it has had on their mental health and social activity.

Nic attended FIT FANS with Northampton Town Community Trust credits the programme for indirectly helping those close to the participants too. He said, “It has not only changed my life but changed my kids lives too.”

The programme brings a diverse group of individuals together to form an environment that mirrors that of a family.  A FIT ROVERS participant echoes:  “Taking part in FIT ROVERS was the best thing I’ve ever done. The sessions and workouts are brilliant, but the camaraderie and banter is even better. I lost over a stone and a half but even more importantly, I feel like I’ve learned to enjoy myself again and that people like me, which has made me like myself again.”

Lifelong Villa fan, Kate attended her beloved clubs FIT FANS programme which gave her the motivation to change even after the end of the 12-week programme:

“The 12 week programme was fun, informative, and motivating. The classes have set us both on our way to a whole new healthier and fitter lifestyle. Michelle, Dru and Josh supported us all the way and delivered the health and fitness messages in a way that made us feel like we could succeed.

This motivation has stayed with us even though the course has ended. We have since signed up to more fitness classes, are watching what we eat and are losing more weight.”

In 2020, the programme won the Leaders in Sports Community Award which showcases the most innovative organisations and people driving the sports industry forward.

1000’s of people have made massive improvements to their health and lifestyle and there’s no reason that can’t be YOU. So before you spend a fortune on gym membership or weight loss plans, try your local football club, it’s FREE, proven to work and you might find having fun and making new friends too.

Find out more about FIT FANS

Uma Cresswell Appointed to the EFL Trust Board

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The EFL Trust, the charitable arm of the EFL, is today delighted to announce that Uma Cresswell has been named as a new member of its Board. Uma will join as one of four Independent Trustees and brings the EFL Trust Board to full strength moving into 2022.

Following her appointment, Uma will join Senior Independent Trustee and CEO of Felix Project, Charlotte Hill OBE; Roger Davidson, Director of Engagement and Communications for Health System Transformation at the NHS and Robbie Drye, Head of Financial Planning and Analysis at London Marathon Group as Independent Trustees. Uma is a Non-Executive Director serving on a number of boards both in the private and third sector, whilst running her own international HR consulting business and an enthusiastic Leicester City fan. Uma has extensive expertise in inclusive leadership, cultural sensitivity, strategy, behaviours, change and transformation.

Uma’s motivation for becoming an EFL Trust Board member stem from both personal experiences as a migrant from Uganda and her outstanding 25-year career including global senior HR roles within the highly regulated Financial Services sector, with a clear understanding of just how powerful football clubs can be within their fan bases and wider communities. Discussing the appointment, Uma said:

“I feel strongly about the opportunity for sharing best practice between private sector businesses and the charitable arm of the EFL within the football industry. I am excited to have the opportunity to be the bridge between these two diverse sectors and be a catalyst for change moving forward. I passionately believe that football has the platform and power to break down barriers and connect people from socially and culturally diverse backgrounds on a global scale. My ambition is to support organisations that are looking to build and foster a high-performance culture of equality, inclusion and belonging.”

Uma moved from the highly regulated financial services industry into consultancy and has since been focused on giving back to organisations that have a strong and clearly defined social purpose. Uma is currently serving as Chair and President of City Women Network and is passionate about developing talent and supporting women of colour. As an EFL Trust Independent Trustee, Uma will be focusing on safeguarding and leading on Trust policies that will focus on the people in our communities including giving them a voice, an opportunity to influence and a strong sense of belonging.

EFL Trust Chair, Liam Scully said:

“I am delighted to welcome Uma to the Board of Trustees. She brings a vast amount of executive and non-executive experience to our group and we are confident that we will significantly benefit from this. Along with the re-election of Robbie Drye and Roger Davidson who are appointed for a second term, this puts our Board at full strength, and ideally positioned to meet the challenges that are immediately ahead of us. Along with the re-election of Robbie Drye and Roger Davidson who are appointed for a second term, this puts our Board at full strength, and ideally positioned to meet the challenges that are immediately ahead of us.”