Talent Inclusion Programme with Accrington Stanley gives Freya the self-confidence to succeed

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Freya was a young girl with a natural talent for football that was evident to everyone around her – but not to herself. When she first started playing, Freya was low in self-belief and was shy and reserved when participating in group sessions. However, after being part of the EFL Talent Inclusion Programme with Accrington Stanley Freya is a different girl, she has come out of her shell with an abundance of confidence.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust has been one of 34 EFL Club Community Organisations running the EFL Talent Inclusion Programme.

The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, talented female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway.

Kerry Reeves from Accrington Stanley Community Trust states: “This programme has provided  an incredible opportunity for local girls who would not usually access the Women’s England Talent Pathways due to many barriers they may face. Thanks to the FA, we received a small grant to host a number of talent ID days for girls within Accrington, which has given them access and opportunity to progress.

Freya currently plays for Accrington Stanley and is a pupil at Hollins High School and in both settings, she strives to be the best version of herself. However, this has not always been the case.

She started her journey at Accrington Stanley through their Wildcats sessions where she was a shy, reserved member of the group with a depth of talent that she lacked confidence in.

But as she progressed to Accrington Stanley’s age group sides Freya began to develop a self-confidence that hadn’t been shown before with credit to the coaches for offering her reassurance when she needed it. Consequently, Freya not only possesses great footballing talent but is also a role model for those around her as she has the desire and commitment to constantly improve herself. Her effect has not only been on her teammates but her brother and sister who have followed in her footsteps in playing football.

Nicola Smith, Freya’s Mother, stated “The talent events held have been amazing. Freya has met new friends and her confidence is soaring after being referred to a FA Discover My Talent Event . Freya now has more confidence in her footballing abilities, and she is willing to continue working hard to achieve her dreams.”

Football and the opportunities provided through Accrington Stanley Community Trust and the Talent Inclusion Programme has seen Freya grow both on and off the pitch.

Talent Inclusion Programme with Tranmere provides Grace with the desire to push herself further

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Tranmere Rovers in the Community have been one of 34 EFL Club Community Organisations running the EFL Talent Inclusion Programme.

The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway.

Grace first attended a development centre with Tranmere at just 6 years old before being signed to the U10 team. The talent she possesses is not short of being a common occurrence in her family with six siblings who possess gifted and talented skillsets in various projects and sports at their schools.

Grace’s ability has seen her noticed and approached by various Regional Talent Centres, which was traditionally considered one of the first steps on the pathway to representing your country and elite performance. However, this would require huge sacrifice and commitment to attend training four times per week and travel the length and breadth of the country to attend fixtures at the weekend- something which Grace’s personal circumstances mean she was unable to pursue. Although Grace was unable to uptake such opportunities, she remains focused, dedicated, and determined to succeed and improve week in, and week out. This characteristic hails from her family who despite the complications they face strive to provide every opportunity possible for their children.

However, the introduction of the EFL Trust Talent Inclusion Programme at Tranmere changed things for Grace and has opened up a potential route to the England Team.

Grace was referred to the Talent Inclusion Programme and observed by The FA. Although Grace was initially disappointed that she did not initially progress to the next stage, however, the experience has fuelled her further to improve and ensure she gets another opportunity, which as she knows she is still being monitored is now a real possibility.

Alexis Lunn-Gadd, Women’s Talent Pathway Operations Manager at The FA explained: “Regardless of a players background or personal circumstances our aim is to create an accessible and inclusive FA Women’s England Talent pathway that enables players to have opportunities to show their talent in environments they are comfortable in. The EFL Talent Inclusion Programme creates these local opportunities and we are really proud of the work the CCO’s are delivering at a local level to help us unearth a future lioness.”

Being a very talented footballer, Grace was encouraged to also find a boys’ team to play in that was easily accessible and, on her doorstep, to allow her and her parents to juggle the commitments of her other siblings as well their working lives.

Grace explained: “Tranmere have always been good to me, and I feel like without them I still wouldn’t have the confidence or support to even be in a team so I owe a lot to them. I have always loved football and play with my brothers and sisters as soon as I get home from school. Having the opportunity to be put forward on an England pathway has been something I never thought could happen to someone like me, from where I am from. I am excited to see how far I can go with football and maybe I can have my chance to progress again.”

Louise Edwards, Head of Girls & Women’s development said, “This project is something we are really passionate about. We strongly believe that all girls regardless of their privileges or positions in society deserve the right to showcase the talent they may have, and share the same opportunities other girls have in different areas or circumstances to them.”

Claire, Grace’s mother said: “Having this opportunity has really given Grace the drive and determination to do more and want to better herself and I really feel she will go far if she continues with this attitude and the support from everyone at Tranmere.”

TIP Project Manager Nicol Meredith said “there have been big changes at the FA over the years, and talented girls like Grace, can be referred to the FA Women’s Talent Pathway, no matter what playing environment they sit in,

This opens up the door and allows us to cast the net further to unearth that hidden talent within community environments.

Tranmere Rovers are an excellent community organisation and I know they will continue to work with players like Grace and provide them inclusive and accessible opportunities.

To find out more about the Talent Inclusion Programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/talent-inclusion.

 

 

 

AFC Bournemouth help Tilly realise her potential through the EFL Talent Inclusion programme.

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As the European Championships kick off in England, the Lionesses head into the tournament on home soil as one of the favourites.  We look at how the Talent Inclusion Programme is helping girls, regardless of their background, join the pathway to become a future Lioness and emulate their heroes; Ella Toone, Mary Earps, Ellen White and Keira Walsh.

So whilst we look forward to celebrating our current Lionesses tonight as they take on Austria at Old Trafford in front of a sell-out crowd, let’s also look to the future of England Women’s National team.

AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust have been one of 34 EFL Club Community Organisations running the EFL Talent Inclusion Programme.

The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway.

Identified through the programme was Tilly. Initially picked up through the Premier League Primary Stars programme when her then primary school, Talbot Primary took part in a local school’s tournament, Tilly went on to progress to the AFC Bournemouth Under 12 girls’ team for the 2021/22 season.

Having previously played for a mixed gender team where she earned the respect and admiration of the boys and their parents alike. As Tilly’s father, Daryl explained: “Some of the lads didn’t want to give her the ball initially as she was a girl, so she quickly had to learn to be strong and to hold her own amongst the group and earn their respect.”

Tilly moved into playing girls only football, training twice a week and playing regular fixtures in the Hampshire Girls Youth Football League, who won both the league and cup last season.

Tilly was referred to the Talent Inclusion Programme and observed by the FA, as a result, she is now being monitored as part of the FA Women’s England Talent Pathway which is part of the process for considering players for England Youth Teams.

Tilly’s love for AFC Bournemouth and the opportunities it has provided her transcends into her future aspirations. She explains: “I am a very focused and driven person and just want to get better each game/training session. I would love to work my way up into the women’s first team at AFC Bournemouth and to keep improving each season!”

Head of Community Steve Cuss, and AFC Bournemouth Women’s Manager Steve Cuss, commented, “Providing the right opportunity for players at the right time  is vitally important, and through our community sessions we are able to identify players to join talent pathways to reach their potential.”

“Tilly is one of those players who we have identified, and we are delighted to be able to offer her the opportunity to join the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway and look forward to monitoring her progression.”

Talent Inclusion Programme Manager, Nicol Meredith said “ AFC Bournemouth have really supported the programme this year, ensuring inclusive and accessible opportunities are made available to every girl who possesses potential.

It’s been a season to celebrate success, in total 123 talented girls were referred to the programme, with 19% now being monitored by the FA, these are girls who are extremely talented and those who could well be on their way in putting on that England shirt one day.

The CCOs have that connection with communities where they engage low social economic groups and under-represented communities , as a result 53% of participants referred were from deprived communities and 16% from ethnically diverse background, this just shows the reach our network has, to provide opportunities that are inclusive and accessible.

We are really proud to say 100% of all referred players are from community environments, which shows TALENT IS EVERYWHERE, OPPORTUNITY ISNT!”

To find out more about the Talent Inclusion Programme visit https://www.efltrust.com/talent-inclusion.

FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers opened Gemma’s eyes to health and wellbeing

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Prior to attending her first FIT FANS session, Gemma was apprehensive and reluctant to get involved in the programme as she had some misconceptions surrounding the programmes morals and outcomes.

She believed that like other weight loss initiatives, weekly weigh-ins would be made in front of the group, with participants feeling as though they would have to explain themselves in an uncomfortable environment.

However, Gemma exclaims: “I was so very wrong.”

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 are 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, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

Gemma saw her weight increase after her wedding, but she desired to feel better about herself.  FIT FANS has allowed her to do just that, all with the support of other women just like her.

She said:

“Once we had started and I had met the other ladies, I started to relax and think that I wasn’t the only person feeling the same way and started to feel like we were all in this together.”

The sustainable approach of FIT FANS is unlike any other where participants partake in a blended session of classroom and physical activities.

Gemma explains:

“I learned so much in our classroom part of the sessions, some things were an eye-opener – how much cheese is classed as a portion for example (shocking), other things I knew but weren’t putting into practice. It gave me a real boost to think about what I am putting into my body, about portion sizes, and about how much I move.”

With a boost of willpower and knowledge, Gemma was able to re-evaluate her diet and start to implement some of what the course had taught her. This was beneficial for Gemma’s weight loss but also for her general health and wellbeing.

She said:

“The physical exercise parts were the bits I loved the most. I really enjoy the feeling afterward and how much stronger and fitter I am becoming week after week.”

The 12-week FIT FANS programme with Bolton Wanderers has provided Gemma with the foundations to continuously implement a healthy diet and regular exercise in her day-to-day life.

Degree programme with County in the Community offers Curtis a brighter future.

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Curtis had an unstable childhood that projected into his later life too. He grew up within the care system and a turbulent time saw him drop out of school early where he ended up being sent to prison. However, Curtis desired for a better outcome for himself by bettering himself through education.

Whilst in prison, he enrolled with the Open University and was able to volunteer at County in the Community’s We Wear the Same Shirt session. Upon release from prison, Curtis was considering his options to continue his second year of study when he chose to continue his connection with Newport County and enroll on their Foundation degree in partnership with the University of South Wales.

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 for a minimum of five days per year at the USW Sport Park, a £3.7m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre.

Curtis has shown great academic and personal development through his maturity and willingness to do better for himself and his future. In the early stages of the programme, he was achieving 2:2 grades but as the course progressed, he consistently achieved first-class grades.

Consequently, his drive and ambition led him to the Community Football Coaching and Administration Top Up Degree. Curtis explained: “If you’re looking for a career in sports coaching, this course provides you with the platform for this”.

This has been recognised by everyone that comes into contact with Curtis. A USW “Curtis is not only driven to achieve success on his educational pathway, but he is also committed to developing himself on a daily basis in all areas of his life. His passion to succeed at achieving his goals is unmatched, which he tries to inspire in others around him so that they achieve success in their lives too.”

Curtis’ personal journey has not always been linear or one of the positive notations but through the Degree programme he has left his past behind and can now only see a brighter, more positive future where he aspires to achieve a Masters’s degree.

For more information click here.

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

EFL Trust celebrate the volunteers and impact of young people

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This past week #VolunteersWeek was displayed across the network, shining brightly examples of magnificent projects and initiatives which have been undertaken by inspiring young people at Club Community Organisations, as well as EFL Trust Staff themselves.

Additionally, #PowerOfYouth day also took place on Monday 6th June. The day highlighted the instrumental differences young people have made upon communities. Young people have been banding together in collaboration to help in tackling contemporary issues felt closest to them and their communities.

We take a look back on some of the fantastic examples of volunteering and inspiring young people across the network:

Claire Streeter

EFL Trust’s own Claire Streeter raised £10,000 to support people living with Dementia. Claire raised the money, as she determinedly set out on a 106-mile walk over 6 days from Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium to Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

https://twitter.com/EFLTrust/status/1532331665435119617

Bradford City Community Foundation

NCS Changemakers at Bradford City Community Foundation created an innovative and informative video, with the aim of spreading awareness of unwanted sexual behaviour on British Railways, which gained special recognition for UK Parliament at Westminster.

https://twitter.com/EFLTrust/status/1533752876010438663

Burton Albion Community Trust

Volunteers at Burton Albion Community Trust carried out more than 250,000 critical Covid-19 vaccinations at the Pirelli Stadium, winning EFL Community Project of the Season for League 1 along the way.

https://twitter.com/EFLTrust/status/1532724534348025857

Peer Action Collective (PAC)

The PAC is a programme which involves giving young people a voice and a chance to make their communities safer, fairer places. As part of PAC, young people in Bradford set out on tackling youth crime and helping to keep people within the streets of Bradford safe at night.

https://twitter.com/EFLTrust/status/1533810205254897666

Tigers Trust

Inspiring young NCS Changemakers at Tigers Trust set out on a project to tackle environmental issues within the communities of Hull, resulting in a beach clean up.

https://twitter.com/EFLTrust/status/1532663731804590080

Award Winning young people from Bradford gain recognition from Parliament for project on unwanted sexual behaviour

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A group of NCS Changemakers with Bradford City Community Foundation launched a project which aimed at spreading awareness of the need to report unwanted sexual behaviour on British Railways.

The project was a part of a competition pitched by Northern Trains Ltd (NTL), that tasked young people to develop a video campaign that would create awareness of unwanted sexual behaviour on trains and how to report this to the transport police.

From multiple entrants, Bradford’s NCS Changemakers came out on top as they created an impactful campaign, featuring an innovative, yet informative video on the need to report unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport and the ways you can report it to the British Transport Police.

The video and the topic it addresses has been transformational in the rail industry, clearly demonstrating the outstanding contribution young people can make to a range of issues with the right support guidance and support, thus making a positive contribution to communities across the North.

Within the industry and Train Operating Companies, this work by young people has gained universal acclaim across the Rail Industry and was shortlisted at the Women in Rail Awards 2022. Bradford City Community Foundation was the only non-railway organisation who were invited to attend these awards.

The project gained recognition from MPs such as Lisa Nandy, the Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up and Caroline Nokes MP – Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee . The UK Parliament Education and Engagement Team invited NTL Richard Isaac Community Manager, Lorna McEwan Chief Inspector Manchester District BTP and 20 young people involved in the project from across the North to present to MPs in the Palace of Westminster.

This gave young people the opportunity to share with MPs such as Holly Lynch MP – Shadow Minister (Home Office) and Hilary Benn MP on why this challenging topic was so important. Additionally, highlighting the importance of understanding the issues affecting young people, allowing them to be part of the debate leading to the development of positive actions and solutions.

We talked to Shamza, who was one of the NCS Changemakers to present the campaign at Parliament:

“The NCS/Northern Rail partnership made it possible to make an anti-sexual harassment video to educate people about trains and to be aware of the potential harm that could occur to them. The video we created has made me aware of different ways people can harass you on trains without noticing, such as up-skirting.  It has been a real eye-opener this project for me personally and we hope this video will give people the confidence to take the train and know what to do if any unwanted sexual behaviour happens.”

“Seeing this project come to life was amazing, the Bradford NCS Change makers have put so much hard work in making the final video by working as a team, being part of the project has been such a huge opportunity. The project is tackling and educating people about an issue which females all around the country are experiencing. Sexual harassment is a massive topic, and it makes me proud to be bringing out the message to make everyone feel safe and heard on and off trains.”

Richard Isaac, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager at Northern Rail is thankful to the young people for their work to tackle this challenging issue on trains. He commented;

“Young people across the North took up the challenge to raise awareness that unwanted sexual behaviour (USB) of any kind is unacceptable and must be reported to the British Transport Police. USB is challenging topic to discuss and something many people would rather not talk about. Supported by NCS youth workers, young people took on the challenge of creating something that would tackle this challenging issue head.

What NCS Changemakers have delivered is a tool to raise awareness of USB and the need for reporting created by young people aimed at young people. Our aim at Northern is to use this resource to engage with young people across the North to raise that awareness.”

Dominik Stingas Paczko, Head of NCS at EFL Trust, who attended the event at Parliament said the following:

“It was fantastic to see the amazing work of our NCS participants being recognised and celebrated in Westminster. Their social action project very much highlighted and helped to tackle a very real issue that affects the national railways, and we hope their videos go a long way to help encourage young people back on to public transport as part of the nation’s recovery from Covid. There is growing evidence that giving young people to confidence and ability to use public transport can have a significant positive impact on their futures and we thank Northern for their continued support for our EFL Trust led NCS programmes.”

To find out more about NCS, click here.

Wembley Dreams Come True in Utilita Kids Cup

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Over 20,000 children have taken part in the Utiltia Kids and Girls Cups this year, all with the dream of playing at Wembley. For 48 children that dream, one that only a select few professional footballers ever achieve, will come true over the next two weekends    

Take a look at how our six remaining teams made the Utilita Kids Cup Final at Wembley Stadium!

Kids Cup Championship Final

Sheffield United, represented by Nethergreen Junior School, and Luton Town, represented by Sacred Heart Primary School, will battle it out in the Championship Final.

The Blades overcame Preston North End in the Regional Final, drawing 1-1 before seeing off the Lilywhites in a tense penalty shoot-out. Meanwhile, the Hatters edged Millwall in a seven-goal thriller to make it to Wembley, running out 4-3 victors over the Lions.

Kids Cup League One Final

In the League One Final, Portsmouth, represented by Meon Junior School, will take on Sheffield Wednesday, represented by Windmill Hill Primary School, for the winner’s medals.

The Owls earned their place in the Final, finding an extra gear in the second half of the regional Final against Crewe, scoring three goals. And Portsmouth secured passage to Wembley in style, vanquishing Charlton Athletic 7-3 in an emphatic win.

Kids Cup League Two Final

Finally, Exeter City, represented by Stoke Hill Junior School, will go head-to-head with Tranmere Rovers, represented by St George’s Primary School, in the League Two Final.

Tranmere needed spot-kicks to make it to the Final, eventually booking a date at Wembley after Harrogate Town hit the bar in the shoot-out in the Regional Final, whilst a slender 1-0 triumph over Bristol Rovers saw the Grecians through to the showpiece.

PNCET and Guild Lodge partnership has given ex-service user John a new future to embark on with the Trust

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John Richardson has progressed from a user of Preston North End’s Community and Education Trust’s partnership with Guild Lodge to giving back to the community and creating a better future for himself.

John was a patient at Guild Lodge, a mental health unit in Goosnargh, Preston when Tom Drake, the Trust’s CEO, visited to deliver weekly sessions to the service users. This meeting was the start of a whole new future for John having been in Guild Lodge for three and a half years.

The partnership between Guild Lodge and PNECET meant Tom quickly noticed John’s nature of engagement and willingness towards other participants. Consequently, John was offered the opportunity to volunteer within the Trust. Having been discharged from Guild Lodge, John began his evolving journey with Preston as he started as a volunteer and now a casual member of staff where he has gained paid employment working across the Community Engagement and Health and Wellbeing programmes.

John has also actively been involved in the Trust’s holiday activities and food programme, soccer schools as well as delivering PL Kicks sessions to younger generations of the community and has also engaged with men’s mental health group, Andy’s Man Club.

He explained:  “When I was at Guild Lodge, Tom Drake [PNECET CEO] came down and introduced himself and gave me some training. He later offered me a job. Now I’m a member of staff and I’m going back into Guild Lodge to help what Tom started.

“It’s helped me mature. It’s something I enjoy, which is a bonus. I’m doing it for myself, getting more confident, and helping children back on to the straight and narrow.”

John’s desire to serve the community that helped him has gained significant recognition as he was awarded Preston’s Community Gateway Association ‘Unsung Hero’ award.

He said: “I’ve been giving back to the community, that’s what I wanted to do. I’ve been helping other people get out of trouble, giving talks to young people and getting them off the wrong path and getting them onto the right path. I’m just enjoying my job.”

Young people on NCS rejuvenate school garden for local a school

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Port Vale Foundation Trust’s (PVFT) young people have been making a significant impact upon themselves and within the community, as they carried out a project at their local school with the aim of increasing student socialisation and their mental health, through renovating a school garden.

As part of PVFT’s NCS programme, young people decided to carry out their social action project at Watermill school, where they attended as students. Watermill school is one of three SEN schools within the local area where PVFT deliver their NCS programme, in which the young students involved within the project have special educational needs.

The group worked immensely on creating a more aesthetically pleasing garden for the school and themselves, allowing the it to be a place where students could relieve any stresses and relax.

For the success of the project, the group decided to use their creativity and organisation skills, as they split the group up into smaller sections, dedicated to specific tasks.

For one of the tasks, the young people weeded and re-dug the area, creating a prettier space. Flowers were also planted, where water features were installed, powered by solar. Also, along this area, young people created a positive stone, featuring positive words, images and messages along with the names of the young people involved, which were permanently engrained onto stones. The main idea for this was to leave a lasting legacy that the Watermill Year 11 young people had during their NCS experience.

Other tasks involved creating a ‘bug hotel’ sanctuary for insects, digging out a flower bed and planting new seeds, re-painting a shed, cutting the apple trees and improving the general overall aesthetics of the garden.

Misbah Mahmood was one of the dedicated young people involved within the project, and had this to say about the experience:

“I really enjoyed my NCS experience and I learnt lots of new skills I would never have learnt. NCS has been really fun and I will miss doing the programme each day!”.

The project generated a massive impact upon the school, its garden, its students as well the young people involved, as they also benefitted greatly from the project, developing new skills, new friends and a stronger mentality through their hard endeavour. NCS Changemakers with PVFT will continue to monitor and improve the school garden in the long-term and uphold the legacy of the project created by the young people involved.

Paul Kirk, teacher at Watermill School had this to say about the legacy of the project:

“The NCS programme has had a huge impact on the social, emotional and cognitive development of our pupils. We have seen the pupils clearly develop their communication, teamwork, problem solving and leadership skills amongst many others. Our young people now often refer to their NCS skills and experiences as some of the highlights of their school life”.

 

The hard work and dedication from all the young people involved at the project did not go unnoticed by Watermill School, as the school hosted a special NCS Graduation Day for all the young people the be acknowledged and congratulated on their project.

NCS Project Lead at Port Vale Foundation, Jorgie Wallace, has this to say:

“The young people were amazing on the NCS programme, and they really did exceed all of our expectations. Throughout the 2 weeks, young people all pulled together to work as a team and demonstrated various different skills which they can use going into their future.”

 “As a staff team, we really enjoyed working with the young people, they kept us on our toes and definitely left a lasting legacy with their social action project. The young people are all a real asset to the school, NCS and Port Vale Foundation. The Graduation allowed us to celebrate all the success of the young people and recognise all their hard work on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”