Walsall FC Community Programme Kickstarts Modern Apprenticeship

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Since March 2020 sport faced an uncertain and stagnant time due to the global pandemic putting a strain on the sector during periods of national lockdowns. Over the years, Walsall FC Community Programme has run a very successful Apprenticeship programme, in its varying guises, since 1989.  Recent events saw the opportunities for Modern Apprenticeships take a back seat as they recovered from the impact of lockdowns. Although, in September 2020 the scheme employed all current apprentices into full time roles to help rebuild the charity and the delivery of sessions to support the community it serves.

As the country and sector continues to recover, the Community Scheme accessed the Government Kickstart Scheme in March 2020 to offer local young people a period of 6 months training and work experience. The scheme provided 5 individuals from the Kickstart scheme full time roles in varying sectors of the football club. Two of them began a sports coaching apprenticeship and were later joined by a third individual in September 2021.

Adam Davy, Community Director: “Modern Apprenticeships are such a valuable resource for our scheme and play a vital role in developing staff.  Whilst we had to pause the Modern Apprentice scheme in September 2020, we worked really hard to engage with the Kickstart programme and have it lead to new Apprentices starting at the scheme in September 2021.  We recruited 3 new apprentices as delivery opportunities began to open again following all the restrictions placed on us during lockdowns.  All 3 have started well and, through Kickstart, meant that they hit the ground running with 6 months of prior experience with us.”

As a knock-on effect of the pandemic, businesses across the country have been hit with financial struggles and consequently staffing shortages. The apprentices at Walsall FC have been an asset to the club as they deliver sessions across the borough. Without their 6 months ‘head start’ through the Kickstart Scheme, they may have taken some time to find their feet. However, the scheme provided them with the skills and knowledge to comfortably and confidently deliver and lead on coaching sessions. Lewis, Keenan, and Josh are all seizing the opportunities that the club has provided them with and are on track to a positive future within the charity.

Keenan Bailey, current Modern Apprentice explained: “I had done some volunteering at Walsall FC as I was interested in coaching football.  The Kickstart placement was a good introduction to the job for me and guaranteed me an interview for an Apprenticeship.  I am so pleased to have been given the chance to become a Modern Apprentice, complete my qualifications and gain even more experience.  I am enjoying the role and hope that it could lead to further opportunities over the next 12 to 18 months.”

 

Under the watchful eye of Education Manager, Paul Larvin, the scheme is already looking to the future and how Modern Apprenticeships can further grow the scheme later this year.  Hopes are high that the current Apprentices will all have opportunities to remain in full time positions within Walsall FC Community Programme. More so, plans are already being drawn upon to increase the apprenticeship programme in September 2022, as well as adding a further qualification to the scheme too in the way of Media and Administration.

Paul Larvin: “The value of Modern Apprenticeships to our scheme is evident and long-standing.  The latest recruits are proving to be excellent members of staff and a valuable delivery resource for us.  As ever, we are looking to the future and how we can expand the charity through apprenticeships.  With our education partner, Sports Structures, we are hopeful that we will be creating even more Sports Apprenticeship places in September 2022 and adding Digital Marketing and Business Administration positions too.”

More details regarding Walsall FC Community Programme can be seen on www.walsallfccp.co.uk, Facebook (Walsall FC Community Programme), Instagram (@WFCCP) and Twitter (@WFCCP).

Stoke City Community Trust is providing education and employment pathways for individuals to realise their dreams.

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Stoke’s apprenticeship programme, which began back in 2005, has supported over 80 young people in Stoke realise their potential. For many of the apprentices, it has been a significant journey in their progression to work. Read more

Lincoln City Foundation are removing the stigma of mental health with Unmasked!

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In March last year, Lincoln City Foundation pledged to support male mental health by launching Team Talk. Team Talk supports men across Lincolnshire with peer-to-peer support sessions on a Monday evening, delivered by Andy’s Man Club, and football sessions allowing men to find their release through physical activity.

Since the launch in 2021, Lincoln City has supported 119 men with their mental health and counting.

This March, Lincoln City is preparing to launch a brand-new session in their Team Talk programme, to reach and support even more people. Partnering with Unmasked Mental Health, they will be delivering a peer-to-peer support hub every Thursday evening from 7 – 9 pm at the LNER Stadium, starting on 10th March. The Unmasked Mental Health hub welcomes both men and women aged 16+.

Unmasked Mental Health Support Groups are for anyone who is experiencing emotional distress. People are free to talk about their mental health – or not: the support group gives space to make that choice. The groups are informal and relaxed. They are ‘peer support groups (meaning people get support from each other), not therapy groups, although, for some, they may have a therapeutic benefit. All groups are led by a facilitator or co-facilitators whose role is to encourage the group to develop and flourish in a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive way.

Doug Dennison, Founder of Unmasked Mental Health says,

“Lincoln City Foundation and Unmasked Mental Health are committed to making a difference to mental health in Lincolnshire.

We are proud to be able to partner with another professional and like-minded organisation to provide the support desperately needed to women and men across our county and the people of Lincoln.”

Lincoln City Foundation remains committed to making a difference to mental health in Lincolnshire. They are proud to be able to partner with another professional organisation to provide quality care to the people of Lincoln who need it. Adding an additional hub will support men who may not be able to make the Monday session or those that want additional weekly support. They are also pleased that the Unmasked Mental Health sessions enable women to access support, making the offering fully inclusive.

Alice Carter, Head of Healthier Communities from Lincoln City Foundation said,

“Supporting individuals to improve their mental wellbeing is a key part of our mission at the Foundation and we are proud to collaborate with Unmasked Mental Health to provide a safe space for men and women to access peer support. This complements our existing Team Talk programme, and strengthens our commitment to breaking down barriers which prevent people from asking for help.”

To find out more about the Team Talk Programme click here.

Passionate about mental health support?

Sign up to support the Team Talk project with one of Lincoln City’s fundraising events. Run the Lincoln City Half Marathon or take A Walk in the Park for Male Mental Health and help Lincoln City to make a difference in Lincolnshire.

 

Opening the door to employment – Connor joins Oldham Athletic Community Trust’s Kickstart Programme

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For many young individuals, gaining work opportunities and vital development experiences can be an arduous process, which has been even more prevalent within a post pandemic world. For Connor Jenkinson, this has been no exception as he too has struggled for job opportunities like many in his generation.

However, Connor’s fortunes have changed since he came across the opportunity to work as Media Assistant for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, an opportunity which Connor embraced with both hands.

For Connor, the wealth of Kickstart opportunities at Oldham came at a vital moment in his early professional career. Connor talked to us about his initial experience with Kickstart:

“I originally signed up for Kickstart as it was a great opportunity to transition into working within a role, in which I didn’t need a wealth of experience in. Similar to an apprenticeship, it was a foot in the door.”

Only new into his role, Connor has been exposed to different activities and tasks relevant to the role, such as creating and developing social media posts for the Trust, whilst also filming and editing footage for key football events associated with the Trust. Already, Connor feels like he has developed and acquired new skills. Connor mentioned:

“I have learnt new skills already in my first few weeks into this new role such as communicating with others and balancing various tasks depending on what is needed of me for the day, as well as building my confidence and customer service skills as I meet and speak to a lot of new people on a regular business outside of my comfort zone.”

“Kickstart has helped me as it has allowed me to get a head start into a new career path, I wouldn’t otherwise have many chances at starting without a degree etc, I receive a lot of guidance and support into what the new role entails and gain valuable experience.”

Callum Irving, Media and Communications Executive for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, had this to say:

“Connor’s had a great start in his role as Media assistant. His first few weeks have included filming and editing community-based sessions and a PL Primary stars football tournament. He has also started to plan social content for awareness days throughout the course of 2022.”

After settling into his role, Connor now has the experience and skills he had been searching for and is now excited to progress his own career through Oldham Athletic Community Trust.

Connor has joined 4 other individuals who have gained a Kickstart placement with Oldham Athletic Community Trust. With 5 Kickstarter’s, Oldham have also helped recruit a further 4 for the club and academy, in positions such as Analysis, Maintenance and Office Administration.

The Kickstart scheme is a programme which can help young people secure vital employment opportunities. To find out more about the Kickstart scheme and to get involved, click here.