Meet Shellby, who with NCS at Blackpool FC Community Trust, has been boosting the morale of a Children’s Hospice for Christmas

Shellby Meehan, 17, from Blackpool, took part in NCS during Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Autumn Programme. After acquiring new skills and confidence through her NCS experience, Shellby has since embarked upon a journey to encourage some well needed Christmas cheer for children less fortunate.

As a part of NCS, Shellby undertook a social action project with other young people as they banded together to create a project which will positively impact their local community.

Shellby’s group were keen to make a difference and put a smile on people’s faces. They decided to raise vital funds for Brian House, a children’s hospice based in Blackpool, by organising and completing a sponsored walk. The team also sourced and bought presents to donate to the children at the hospice as additional Christmas presents.

Shellby, who is a Travel and Tourism student at Blackpool and the Fylde College, took part in an engaging Autumn programme covering a range of activities such as canoeing, high ropes, Jacob’s ladder, escape rooms and Go Ape. The activities are designed to increase the participant’s confidence, teamwork and leadership skills whilst encouraging social mixing.

In addition to the adrenaline-fueled activities, Shellby attended workshops delivered by industry specialists such as Loudspeaker (Enterprise, Public Speaking and Presenting), First Aid and Independent Living (money management).

Shellby felt that the range of activities she undertook with NCS, helped her in improving her problem-solving skills and the ability to challenge herself. Shellby had some initial doubts about taking part in NCS, but those doubts evaporated quickly.

“Upon being introduced to NCS I originally thought to myself no, this is not for me at all, but I thought about it more and I spoke to my mum and other people I knew about it, who encouraged me to join.  I decided to go out of my comfort zone and I chose to take part in NCS.”

“My NCS experience has been amazing, it has built up my confidence levels and I have made some amazing new friends.”

For those that are thinking about doing NCS I would say do it, because it’s a once in lifetime opportunity, you learn so much about yourself and other people”.

After having an incredible time on NCS whilst attaining new skills and building her confidence, Shellby plans to join Blackpool Community Trust’s Changemakers group to continue to make a positive impact to the people and community of Blackpool.

“I decided to join Changemakers, because after being on NCS it gave me the chance to see if there is anything more that I can do, as I had such a great time on the course. So, I asked Blackpool if there was anything else I could get involved in, in which is when I was informed on Changemakers.”

By joining the Changemakers at Blackpool FC Community Trust, Shellby will continue to gain real life experience, take part in social action, look after her community, create career opportunities and make her C.V shine. With all this in store, there is no limit to what Shellby can do in the future.

The FIT COBBLERS camaraderie helped Nic and his family become one again

Prior to embarking on a life-changing journey with FIT FANS at Northampton Town Community Trust, Nic struggled with the motivation make changes in his lifestyle.

He stated: “My activity had pretty much ground to halt, my step count for the week was only 30-40,000, my food choices were poor and I kind of ignored my mental health quite a lot. I struggled to do anything about it and lacked the motivation to commit to seeing anything through.”

However, after spotting an advert for FIT COBBLERS last year he applied immediately, as comments, “Having the Club name attached to it really helped and kind of make it feel a bit ‘cooler.’ Having access to the club and people like Akshay was a big part.”

At his initial weigh-in, Nic was 15 stone, which was as heavy as he had been in his whole life. This emboldened Nic’s to give it everything, not just for his benefit but his children’s and his wife.

The results speak for themselves as Nic explains, “I think at the end of week 12 I was doing 160,000 steps a weekend and was I really eating super clean for 12 weeks. So throughout that 3-month programme, I lost 2.5 stone.”

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.

With such great results, Nic was anxious as to whether he would fall back into his old habits. However , he credits Akshay Mistry, Northampton Town’s Community Trust Sports Participation Officer Nic with helping him and the rest of the group keep going. So much so that Nic has surpassed his expectation and continued to lose another stone in weight.

Nic said: “It didn’t really stop, we carried on with a weekly zoom fitness class with Akshay. There’s a WhatsApp group where everyone is really supportive. All of the people that have come through the programme continue to check in with each other and we support each other on those tougher days when people are finding it a bit harder.”

Nic has continued his healthy habits and the benefits have created a domino effect for those close to him. Nic explains,

“This has not only changed my life but it’s also changed my kids life. I’m there for them much more now. I’ve got more energy and more time for them to do things they want. I do lots of walking and now the kids and my wife all come on my walk. We all go out as a family and have just become more active together.

Walsall FC Community Programme continues to provide fantastic Kickstart placements for young people seeking employment

Throughout 2021, Walsall FC Community has continued its aim to provide life-changing opportunities, by enabling over 13 young people to gain opportunities within the workplace, through the Kickstart programme.

The Kickstart programme is an initiative to help young people by giving them opportunities to get a foothold within the professional work environment. 477 young people have found employment through Kickstart at 65 EFL Club Community Organisations across the country.

Since April this year, Walsall’s Kickstarters have been involved within a wide range of placements and participated in various activities. Coaches were given the opportunity to experience all of the different projects that Walsall delivers in the community, including; Holiday Camps, Match Day Activities, Mental Health, Adult Weight Management and Premier League Kicks Sessions.

Additionally, the Ground Staff placements were split between the training ground and the stadium, undertaking tasks on pitch care management. Ground Maintenance placements included a variety of roles on general upkeep tasks, such as building, painting, cleaning, and repair tasks.

Walsall FC Community Programme are set to continue to build upon its already pre-existing successful Kickstarters, as Walsall look to recruit a further 10 Kickstart positions from January 2022, including positions such as; Community Coaches, Admin, Bar staff and in Media.

Future incoming Kickstarters will hope to follow on from previous Walsall success stories such as Jake Llyod, who secured full-time employment like many Kickstarters at Walsall, in which Jake is playing his part at the club, as he joined the Ground Staff team earlier this year.

Jake spoke about his experience with his Kickstart placement at Walsall:

“I saw the role at Walsall FC and saw it as an ideal opportunity to gain experience at a Professional Football Club.”

“Kickstart has been really good for me. I have learnt lots of new skills and gained experience whilst earning a wage. Ultimately, it has led to a full-time job for me. My experience has been really positive, and I would recommend that other people consider taking on a Kickstart placement.”

We spoke to Adam Davy, Community Director at Walsall FC Community Programme, who highlights Walsall’s incredible journey with Kickstart:

“Our initial thoughts were that Kickstart was an ideal opportunity for us to support young people in the local area.”

Kickstarters were keen to get the work experience for their CV and were keen to see what opportunities may lie in the future for them.”

“The Kickstarters were all very useful to have on placement during their time with us. This was particularly prevalent as we restarted activities. We needed extra staff at coaching sessions to temperature check, police one-way systems and clean equipment on a regular basis.”

“The Ground Staff also played a vital role in preparing the stadium and pitch for a return for fans to games and ensuring that the Club was match ready, once the green light was given for fans to return.”

Walsall’s work within the community and with the Kickstart programme has seen special recognition from Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey, who visited Walsall FC back in May earlier this year.

Thérèse Coffey had this to say:

“Kickstart is playing a vital role in helping to score better opportunities for the next generation of workers. Credit to Walsall Football Club and the EFL Trust for stepping up and giving young people an opportunity to kick off their careers and reach their goals. I encourage more employers to join Kickstart and become part of this national team effort to build back better.”

Walsall FC Community Director Adam Davy, discussed more about the highly successful Walsall Kickstart Programme:

“All Kickstarters at our club have learnt a variety of job specific skills that would be required if they wished to further their careers in the role they took for Kickstart.  They also learnt transferable life skills, important for employment, such as working in a team, time keeping, application and adaptability.”

“We were privileged and fortunate to host a Secretary of State visit to highlight our use of the Scheme.  We are confident that all young people accessing the placements will have a worthwhile experience and we strive to offer as many exit route opportunities as possible.”

Click here to discover more about how Jake secured full-time employment at Walsall.

Click here to find out more about how Kickstart is impacting young people’s lives across the country.

Warm Whites Campaign Addressing Fuel Poverty Issue

Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust [PNECET] are to deliver the Warm Whites campaign to support Preston residents affected by fuel poverty over the festive period.

Through funding from both the club and PNECET, the initiative will invite the general public to identify and nominate individuals who may be struggling this winter, particularly against the landscape of rising fuel prices in recent months.

An issue that affects households that cannot afford to keep warm at home, the club and PNECET will look to address fuel poverty across Preston by distributing necessary resources to those in need.

Warm Whites packs will contain information on the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions, which assists residents who do not have enough resources to meet their immediate or short-term needs over the winter period.

Also included in the packs will be blankets, hats, gloves, hot chocolate, a packet of biscuits and puzzle books, while a PNECET information pack will also form part of the delivery, consisting of reading materials such as copies of the matchday programme and materials providing more details about the Trust’s provision.

The packs will be available for collection from the PNECET office at Deepdale, situated at the back of the Alan Kelly Town End, or alternatively can be delivered upon request and in this case will be distributed by members of PNECET staff.

Those who receive the packs themselves will also be invited to nominate another person they feel may benefit from the initiative as part of a referral scheme.

Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Tom Drake said: “The cold winter weather, rising fuel prices and the on-going Covid-19 pandemic are just some of the factors which have led to the issue of fuel poverty, causing real challenges for countless families at this time.

“Households affected by fuel poverty are said to be more at risk of the worst effects of Covid-19, and the links between cold temperatures and respiratory problems have been well documented by Public Health England, which we feel will only be exacerbated over the winter period.

“As the official charity of Preston North End, we see it as our continued duty to adapt to the changing needs of our community.

“We hope that by offering items such as hot water bottles, hats and gloves, we can make a small contribution – with the support of the Preston community – to addressing the issue of fuel poverty, while continuously working in partnership with Preston City Council to make a lasting change in this area going forward.”

The initiative will run from Monday 6th December until Thursday 23rd December and both donations and referrals from the general public are now being sought to support the initiative.

Donations can be made via the Trust’s Supported Giving platform by visiting https://qr2donate.com/pnecet.

If you wish to refer an individual or family to receive a Warm Whites pack, please download the referral form from the PNE website, via PNE.Com/WarmWhites, to download the digital form, and upon completion, return via email to [email protected].

Those who find difficulty completing the form digitally can call the community office on 01772 693309 or email [email protected] for further support.

FIT VILLA sparked lifelong Villian Kate into change

Lifelong Aston Villa fan, Kate found FIT VILA the perfect opportunity to make positive long -term changes to her health and well-being.

Prior to enrolling on the programme, Kate was aware that her eating habits and physical activity had lapsed due to the national lockdown but lacked the consistent motivation to ‘get up and go’.

However, finding the FIT FANS initiative hosted at her beloved club was the initial spark for her to begin her journey.

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.

For Kate, the programme has supported her in several ways. Not only has she lost 4.6kg but has found consistency within her lifestyle from strength training at home to monitoring her diet.

She said: “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.”

Kate has continued to use the foundations of FIT VILLA to succeed in her healthy lifestyle.

Meet Billy Whittle: The 22-year-old who with Kickstart secured employment with Wigan Athletic Community Trust

As demonstrated by many young people across the country, the pandemic proved a difficult period for local Wiganer, Billy Whittle. Born in Wigan, the 22-year-old spent 16 months unemployed before being offered a way back into work by Wigan Athletic Community Trust through the government’s Kickstart scheme.

Billy struggled with seeking opportunities to start his career within the workplace after finding himself on an endless job search,  However, Billy’s persistence and perseverance paid off, after he found himself the dream job at his local football club, working as a Project Officer at Wigan Athletic Community Trust

The Kickstart programme is an initiative to help young people by giving them opportunities to get a foothold within the professional work environment. Nearly 1,300 young people have been provided Kickstart placements at 65 EFL clubs across the country.

Upon discovering the opportunity, Billy reflected upon his experience of initially finding the role:

“Lockdown for me was particularly difficult. Although I enjoyed the peace and quiet at times, the boredom that came as a result of a groundhog routine really affected me mentally.

“Having been unemployed for around 16 months, I applied for the role when my work coach at the job centre referred me.

“I felt I could learn key skills and develop myself to grow professionally, and I have always respected the club’s position and importance within the town I was born and raised in.”

As part of his role as Project Officer, Billy supports staff from across the organisation in planning upcoming events and ensuring operations run smoothly. Now after over four months into the role, he explains how he’s developed in the job so far:

“Since being taken on by the Community Trust I’ve gained a number of skills including organisation, leadership and time management”, he said.

“I’ve also learnt a key understanding of how a charity, especially a sports and wellbeing charity, functions and operates on a day-to-day basis.

“Every day is different and exciting, and I wake up intrigued with what each day might bring and now when I look at the badge, it’s a great feeling to think that I work for Wigan Athletic.”

“So far I couldn’t have wished for a more welcoming and friendly group of people. Starting a new job is always daunting however everyone at the Trust has made me feel like part of a team.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends who have made the four months feel like four years.”

With employment secured, Billy is now embracing his opportunity to utilise his expertise at Wigan Athletic Community Trust and now Billy has the chance to really kickstart his career.

Click here to find out more about how Kickstart is impacting young people’s lives.

Reaching Out and Reconnecting: How Blackpool FC changed Chloe’s life

Having experienced homelessness and addiction and with her only income coming through Universal Credit Chloe really wanted to find employment. However, her trans status and involvement within the LGBT+ community had provided a negative experience in previous workplaces which left her with no confidence and lacking any self-belief.

Enrolling on the Training Ground Programme in connection with Blackpool FC Community Trust saw Chloe gain numerous basic skills from Maths and English to money management. However, another huge personal achievement saw her participate in the weekly physical activity session having never really considered exercise as something for her.

The Training Ground Programme is aimed at young people aged 18-24 who are currently unemployed and may be at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. Participants may be in receipt of, or eligible to claim Universal Credit at the start of the programme. Participants equally may not be in receipt of any government benefits. Participants must be NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) to be eligible to take part in the programme. The Training Ground Programme is funded via a development grant issued to EFL Trust from the Youth Futures Foundation. This funding will cover the delivery costs of a pilot programme in partnership with 6 EFL Trust CCOs.

As Chloe’s confidence and self-belief started to grow, Chloe shone both inside and outside of the programme.

She commented “It’s the best thing I have ever participated in, and my future looks bright for the first time.”

Chloe grew professionally which resulted in her being offered a Volunteering Co-Ordinator Kickstart role. On top of this, the programmes ability to nurture her self-worth and confidence also saw her reconnect with her family to share her success.

 

How Club Doncaster allows participants to fall in love with football: Steph’s Story

How Club Doncaster allows participants to fall in love with football: Steph’s Story.

Steph has always had a passion for football but due to her physical disability she struggled to find a team that suited to her individual needs. This meant she had been out of the sport for several years which as Steff admits led her to lose confidence. She says. “I wasn’t the most confident person and didn’t really believe in my own ability.”

This was all until in 2016 whilst at university she came across Club Doncaster Titans which are part of the EFL Trust and Wembley National Stadium Trusts Every Player Counts Programme. The programme has over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time .

But, after just her first session she felt “happier, more active and fell in love with football again!”  As she continued her journey at the club, she was provided the opportunity to get into coaching which started as leading the warms ups before progressing into having her own Wildcats session. Steph credits Darren, the Titans coach in helping her believe in herself.

She said: “I owe a lot to Club Doncaster Titans and Darren Warner for all the opportunities and experience they have provided me with which has really helped me grown and develop as a person and as a coach.”

Consequently, her belief and development with support from Darren has seen her takeover the Under 12 session allowing her to aid participants on a similar journey to herself.

In 2021, Steph was given the chance to begin a female only session with freedom to tailor it as her own initiative. She explained: “This session has really grown into its own and is thriving enough where we now have enough female players to compete.”

One of Stephs female players, Sheridan Batunas was full of praise for her coach. She said: “Steph is an amazing coach for our ladies’ team- she is always very friendly and polite and has a very big heart. I couldn’t wish for a better coach.”

Steph now hopes to “continue Darren’s legacy and keep providing opportunities for all.”

Club Doncaster are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental and learning impairments.

 

 

Colin Bennett: Why International Day of People with Disabilities is Important

Today, Friday 3rd December, is International Day of People with Disabilities (International Day of People with Disabilities (idpwd.org)).

But for people with disabilities, it’s not about one day and then move on to the next special day. It’s every day, week, month, all year. Every year.

And that’s why days like this are so important. The day should be seen as a platform to highlight the challenges and barriers to people with a disability and even more so, amplify the great work that goes on. Let’s keep the conversation relevant, front and centre and ensure our work is the norm.

I am very proud to be the Project Manager for the EFL Trust’s Every Player Counts project which has been funded by Wembley National Stadium for the last 5 years. By the end of the 5th year our network of Club Community Organisations (CCOs) will have delivered football to nearly 15,000 participants, enabling and empowering people of all ages to be active and play.

And it’s more than just play. We know that being active is good for people’s mental and physical health, their social inclusion and for them to have a community connection. We have participants who previously wouldn’t leave their house but now have started jobs, apprenticeships, college courses. We are hearing from teachers that participants are more outgoing; we are hearing from participants that the one thing they will not miss is their football; we are seeing a pride that participants can represent their club; we know the importance of the strength of the network’s community work.

Throughout today we are highlighting that work in just some of our CCOs to showcase what we do but also to celebrate the participants and their families. Disability should not be seen as a difference. Because in fact over 80% of disabled people acquired disability later in life. Fewer than 20% were born with disability.

Think about that for a moment.

Of the people with a disability fewer than 20% were born with their disability.

The work continues every day in our communities and through the EFL Trust CCOs I see first-hand these great stories. Hopefully you can support the amplification of the message and I look forward to continuing the great work each and every day.

How Keira’s love for Blackpool FC has been the catalyst to her development.

Blackpool FC super fan, Keira has developed her ability to express herself since attending the clubs Every Player Counts sessions.

Keira lives with AUTS2 syndrome but her passion and love for football and especially Blackpool FC has been the catalyst for her progress on and off the pitch.

Blackpool are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust.  Every Player Counts has, over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time.

Before she attended the Every Player Counts sessions Keira lacked confidence and would be reluctant to speak to others, her mum explains:

“Keira’s communication has definitely improved. She is much more confident speaking to the other participants. Recently she has been telling the participants when she is going to watch a Blackpool FC game. When we first came to the sessions, she would never have been confident enough to do this. It’s so good to see. I think part of what has helped her express herself more is that she has made friends here who she is comfortable around.”

These thoughts are echoed by all that know Keira. Paul, Blackpool’s Community Engagement Officer said: “Out of all the participants I work with Keira is one of the most enthusiastic about Blackpool FC, she and her family are season ticket holders, and she loves seeing them play and talks about Blackpool’s results and fixtures when I see her at the Tuesday session… Her skills at football have improved greatly. We were practising a skill move the other day, the drag back turn, and Keira did it first time, something she would have found difficult when she first started.”

Keira will continue to attend the sessions and tell everyone about her beloved Blackpool FC.

Blackpool are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental, and learning impairments.