Headstart makes expansive headway in North West

Thousands of Year 6 pupils across the North West of England, making the transition into secondary school, will benefit from a mental health programme involving several EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs).

Since 2022, the EFL Trust and four CCOs have supported dozens of schools and hundreds of pupils across Lancashire and South Cumbria via a pilot project called Headstart, thanks to funding from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity after successfully applying for an NHS Charities Together Grant.

The EFL charitable arm is delighted to announce, during Mental Health Awareness Week (15th – 21st May), the programme – which has supported almost a thousand pupils since it began – will be delivered by a further seven charities.

The CCOs will work in schools, providing one to one or group support, in either a classroom environment or delivering sessions, like yoga and mindfulness.

Fleetwood Town Community Trust, Preston North End Community and Education Trust, Morecambe FC Community Sports and Accrington Stanley Community Trust each have a Mental Health Transformation Officer, all of whom aim to reduce strain on the NHS by targeting those children currently accessing or are at risk of needing to access children’s mental health services.

Blackpool FC Community Trust, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Burnley FC In The Community have joined the Lancashire cohort of CCOs delivering the programme.

In addition, Bolton Wanderers In The Community, Foundation 92, Rochdale AFC Community Trust and Wigan Athletic Community Trust have come on board thanks to funding and support from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, GreaterSport and local authorities; Trafford Council, Wigan Council and Bolton Council.

In 2020, one in six (16.0%) children aged 5 to 16 years were identified as having a probable mental disorder, increasing from one in nine (10.8%) in 2017.

Adrian Bradley, Head of Health & Wellbeing at the EFL Trust said:

“Our Club Community Organisations are well connected within schools across their communities, and we’ve seen some wonderful and impactful examples during our pilot year of delivering the programme.

“We’re delighted that we’ve received further funding for more Club Community Organisations to deliver this programme across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and reach and support as many children as possible, making that milestone transition in their lives from primary to secondary school.”

Caption: ITV Football visited Larkholme Primary School in Fleetwood to witness EFL Trust Headstart Programme delivered Fleetwood Town Community Trust.

Degree Course with Huddersfield Town the perfect fit for Connor

Having previously tried various other educational options including media and plumbing courses, Connor was unsure on what his career aspirations were after leaving high school. Consequently, he jumped from course to course, without finding enjoyment in education and not completing the work required.

However, having joined the degree course with Huddersfield Town, Connor now has a completely different outlook on his education.

He said: “Since joining this course I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have completed all my work with motivation, which is a big thing for me as it shows I am enjoying the course.”

The University of South Wales allows students to gain practical experience in their desired nature of work, whilst allowing for a blended learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning. The courses which are hosted at your local football club has a huge emphasis on gaining real world learning through placements with students only having to attend the University for short residential periods.

The enjoyment that Connor had struggled to find with other courses, is clear to see as he is excelling both in and out of the classroom. With the programme offering practical experience at the hands of Huddersfield Town Foundation, Connor has immersed himself fully into the course despite only being in his first year.

He explained: “There are 6 different modules on the course, the one I have enjoyed the most though was the event management as me and a few other course mates got to hold our own event up at Moldgreen primary school. With no really restraints on our event it allowed us to be creative with our ideas and plan a fun and engaging for the students.”

Connor has worked on the SEND provisions that the club provides; girls Kicks sessions as well as numerous tournaments. Connor has also completed his UEFA C qualification where he is awaiting assessment.

The degree course has been a breath of fresh air for Connor, where he has found something he is naturally passionate about.
The progress Connor has made from an individual who lacked motivation and direction to now self admittedly not only wanting to pass his course but to achieve the best possible grades.

Adam Halliday, Connor’s Education Mentor said: “Connor is a pleasure to mentor and engage with on the programme. He is enthusiastic, inquisitive, and wants to achieve to the best of his ability. He is a natural leader and his peers benefit from his approach to classroom activities. With a fantastic first year coming to an end, and a UEFA C qualification pending, I am excited to see Connor continuing to progress next year.”

Click here to find out more.

Degree course with Tranmere Rovers opened Michael’s eyes to discover his dream job.

Michael once dreamed of the stardom that accompanies being a professional footballer, but through the exposure and experience the Degree course with Tranmere Rovers in the Community offered him, he realised a new dream; off the pitch as a Performance Analyst.

He first joined Tranmere Rovers in the Community to complete his post-16 education with a BTEC in Sports Development and Coaching; this was just the start of his journey.

Following the completion of his Level 3 qualification he enrolled on to the Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development with Tranmere in partnership with the University of South Wales and the EFL Trust.

The University of South Wales allows students to gain practical experience in their desired nature of work, whilst allowing for a blended learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning. The courses which are hosted at your local football club has a huge emphasis on gaining real world learning through placements with students only having to attend the University for short residential periods.

This is where Michael’s ambitions slowly began to transition from on the pitch as a goalkeeper to off the pitch as a Performance Analyst. Like many, Michael had the dream of playing professional football but the degree course with Tranmere Rovers opened his eyes to a wealth of other opportunities in the game he adores.

He said: “In all my years at Tranmere, the link to a professional football club has proved invaluable to me in wanting to progress my career in football. The opportunities for work experience both inside and outside of the club have been incredible.”

His ability to play the game also allowed him to have an in-depth understanding towards the analytical aspects of the game. Consequently, Michael has gone on to help the Tranmere Education teams and AFC Liverpool.

He explained: “One of my main responsibilities was to create a comprehensive presentation for pre-and post-game feedback to the players. I have worked with the Tranmere Education teams as their analyst to provide a statistical summary of the major events during matching to the coaching team, which is an important tool for improving future performance and player development.”

Michael is still completing his degree after enrolling in the top up course; BSc (Hons) in Community Football Coaching and Administration. However, he has achieved a wealth of experience and qualifications to ensure a successful future.

He has completed his UEFA C coaching badge and through his hard-work and opportunities that the University of South Wales pathway has given him he was appointed as National League side, Chorley FC’s analyst for the 2022/23 season, something he credits highly to his time at Tranmere Rovers in the Community.

“I am currently finishing my degree but know I have a bright future in football thanks to my time at Tranmere. I have already been accepted to complete a master’s in Performance Analysis in Football at University Campus of Football Business for September.”

Click here to find out more about the degree 

Successful FIT FANS programme launches in Wales

A new scheme to help fans get fit through their love of football has been officially launched in Wales.

FIT FANS is a collaboration between the Football Association of Wales and the English Football League Trust (EFL Trust), supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s ‘Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales’ programme.

Football fans aged between 35 and 65 will be able to join the 12-week healthy lifestyle programme. The free scheme will be delivered by the charitable arms of Welsh football clubs and their community coaching staff to groups of up to 30 people who are hoping to lose weight.

FIT FANS has successfully been delivered at over 40 EFL clubs in England since 2019 and more than 8,000 people have engaged on the programme. On average, participants lose over five per cent of their body weight during the 12 weeks. To date, participants have lost a total of 17 tonnes, the equivalent of 17 VW Beetles.

Participants are encouraged to make long term behavioural changes by incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into their daily lives. The course includes exercise sessions, classes on improving eating habits and pedometer-based walking exercise during the week.

The programme has delivered its first classes in Wales at Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea City, with Wrexham, Aberystwyth Town and Caernarfon following next month.

About 1.5 million adults in Wales are overweight or obese, with higher levels in the most deprived areas. The new programme is part of Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales, the Welsh Government’s long-term strategy to prevent and reduce obesity in Wales.

Speaking at the launch event at the Cardiff City Stadium, the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, Lynne Neagle, said:

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

“If we want to reduce obesity, we need to use innovative ways to encourage more people to get fit and develop healthier lifestyles. The FIT FANS programme is a great way to help football fans improve their health at their local club.”
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said:

“This is an excellent way for football fans to come together to make a positive change for their lifestyles and health – together stronger. As a Government, our aim is to encourage more people to take part in sport and active recreation and to be taking enough exercise to see significant health benefits. It’s excellent to see that these classes will be available at many football stadiums across Wales – and I wish those taking part every success on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.”

Cathy Abraham, CEO of EFL Trust, said:

“Through the unique appeal of football and the power of the club badge, FIT FANS successfully engages people who need help improving their health but aren’t motivated by the gym or the myriad of commercial weight loss programmes. We’re thrilled to be working with the Football Association of Wales and the Welsh Government to bring FIT FANS to football communities across the country.”

Eleri Williams from the Football Association of Wales said:

“Here at the FAW, we believe that there is huge potential for clubs across Cymru to become centres of community wellness. We are committed to doing what we can to support clubs to harness that potential and the FitFans programme is an important element of that. Through the programme, fans can come together, get fitter, healthier and make new friends, all within the football family environment.”

Gavin Hawkey, Director at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said:

“Football clubs are at the heart of their communities. At Cardiff City FC we harness the power of the club to change lives. We’re delighted to collaborate with partners to deliver this innovative project which will inspire healthier lifestyles and improve wellbeing in our communities.”

To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

    * Please Choose Club

    Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

    FIT FANS with Plymouth Argyle has given Michael the ability to be active with his children.

    Before attending the FIT PILGRIMS programme, Michael’s biggest motivator was his kids and being unable to engage in simple physical activities with them left him with feelings of anger and sadness.

    However, the 12-week programme with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust has transformed Michael’s physical and mental health.

    He explained: “Now, I am happier, I’m happy with my progress, happy with my mindset, happy with how I feel overall with my health and fitness because its improving.”

    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.

    Throughout the programme, Michael lost 13.5kg in weight, and has not only seen the benefit in his physical performance but has also learnt that nutrition is a key factor in living a healthy lifestyle.

    He said: “I’m much  more active throughout the day, averaging 7 miles each day. I’m more conscious of what I am eating and looking for better options rather than the quick, cheapest option that tends to be the worst.”

    With such great results, that have benefitted his children too, Michael has engaged with other programmes the Trust run to ensure he remains active, all whilst having fun.

    To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

      * Please Choose Club

      Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

      Extra Time Hubs part of Rosemary’s love for Plymouth Argyle.

      For over 20 years, Rosemary has been participating in provisions provided by Argyle Community Trust. Not only has she been a familiar face with the Trust, but also the club where she has held a season ticket for several years.

      Long before the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, Rosemary attended the skittles and curling activity sessions with her husband. However, she sadly lost her husband and her son a few years ago.

      Suddenly, Rosemary was at risk of isolation and loneliness only heightened by the national lockdowns. However, the Trust once again provided solutions albeit virtually for some time.

      She participated in the online Zoom sessions as part of the Tackling Loneliness Together project, associated with Extra Time Hubs and has attended the sessions ever since.

      The Hubs enable retired and semi-retired people make the most of their free time and enjoy doing the things they want to do. With friendships, support and being the socially active forefront of the Hubs aim, participants decide what they wish to take in with various activities on offer from quizzes to walking football.

      Adrian Bradley the EFL Trust’s Health and Wellbeing lead, explains, “With Extra Time Hubs we set out to do something different. Activities for Older people tended to be small coffee morning or bingo sessions. We want to create a social community of people in their retirement years who meet regularly to socialise and to do the things they enjoy, not what we tell them they should enjoy. We focus on the social side of the hub and help people to feel better by reducing their social isolation and loneliness. By getting people more socially active we nudge them towards more a physically active lifestyles – it’s health by stealth.”

      She said: “I always know I’ve got something to look forward to and the amount of friends I have made through the group and now we are very close nit, and all get on well with each other.

      “You come out and socialise and its great here as you can be yourself! Everyone is comfortable with each other. The group now also organise their own Christmas meals, separate from Argyle, showing how close they have become and how important the group is to all the members.”

      Simply, she could not praise the Trust enough.

      “I don’t know what I’ll do without it, it’s a part and parcel of my life (same as Argyle)

      “They have been absolutely fantastic. It has kept me in touch with things because I lost my husband and son a few years ago.

      “It has been brilliant; I can’t praise them enough.”

      FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers in the Community provides participants with incentive and guidance towards a healthier lifestyle.

      Pete had joined the FIT TROTTERS programme after hearing of his brothers results on a previous cohort. The pandemic had brought about a change in circumstances that saw Pete take on some carer responsibilities to his partner’s stepbrother after they sadly lost both their mother and father through COVID-19. He then had his own personal health, and wellbeing worries but also Stephen’s.

      Transitioning out of the pandemic caused him to become aware of the weight had had put on as his daily activity had decreased due to homeworking.  Although, he knew change was needed, he was lost with no sense of direction on where or how to start.

      For most, change comes with an overriding emotion of fear and apprehension and that was very much the case for FIT TROTTTERS participants Darren, Stephen and Pete.

      However, the camaraderie of the group and the work of staff members, Jack and Tom, they were all soon made to feel part of a wider family, all trying to achieve the same goals.

      Pete said: “Jack, Tom and the participants there on day 1 really did break the ice and include us both. As I said with Stephen’s learning disabilities it was really daunting and scary but right from the first minute, we were both made to feel welcome and more importantly included.”

      The sense of belonging has continued long after the 12-week course had finished with all still being included in social groups via Facebook and WhatsApp to allow them to continue the friendships that had blossomed on the course, all whilst still encouraging each other to keep up their lifestyle changes.

      The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

      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.

      Darren, much like Pete knew he needed to address his weight gain over the past year but never planned any actions to do so until his friend asked him to accompany him on the FIT TROTTERS course.

      He also echoed Pete’s thoughts on the support of the group: “Whilst it was by no means competitive being part of a group who all have the same aims helps to drive you along and to be there to support and drive forward your fellow participants. I have loved every minute of it.”

      Having successfully completed the course, all three lost over 11kgs each but the trio also credit the course for its educational elements that they have implemented to not only help their physical health but general wellbeing too.

      Darren explained: “I’m now more knowledgeable of the right type of foods to eat and portion control. It got me out walking regularly which helped bring down the weight and blood pressure and meeting new friends. I would recommend it to anyone from a general wellbeing point of view.”

      Pete said: “The new friends and people to talk to for Stephen is huge, his confidence has grown and his willingness to participate also. From choosing to sit on a reception desk for three days at his day care to doing sport, art and gardening, he would not have made that choice a year ago. I doubt many people will understand the impact that has had on the lad.”

      To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

        * Please Choose Club

        Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

        Extra Time Hubs with Bolton Wanderers in the Community offered Ken and Jim support in their time of need.

        Both Ken and Jim have had to deal with a huge change in their lives, that left them lost after their wives sadly passed away.

        As well as the grief that losing a loved one brings they found themselves in a position that they had never been in before, their interests and social groups became non-existent.

        Although both men, complete strangers to each other, their stories are similar is so many ways and it’s their Football Club which has come to their aid..

        Friends of both men recommended they give Bolton Wanderers in the Community Extra Time Hub a try.

        The Hubs enable Retired and semi-retired people make the most of their free time and enjoy doing the things they want to do. With friendships, support and being the socially active forefront of the Hubs aim, participants decide what they wish to take in with various activities on offer from quizzes to walking football.

        Adrian Bradley the EFL Trust’s Health and Wellbeing lead, explains, “With Extra Time Hubs we set out to do something different. Activities for Older people tended to be small coffee morning or bingo sessions. We want to create a social community of people in their retirement years who meet regularly to socialise and to do the things they enjoy, not what we tell them they should enjoy. We focus on the social side of the hub and help people to feel better by reducing their social isolation and loneliness. By getting people more socially active we nudge them towards more a physically active lifestyles – it’s health by stealth.”

        With some convincing, both Ken and Jim attended their first sessions and it has become a highlight within their weeks.

        Jim said: “The main benefits was to meet up with like-minded wonderful people and to join in the many activities provided by the superb team. It is one of the highlights of the week and it’s really helped my self-esteem!”

        Ken echoed Jim’s thoughts as he explained: “I felt very welcomed by the group of attendees at Bolton Wanderers in the Community Extra Time Hub. They embrace me and make me feel very welcome. Over a period of 18 month since I first attended, I have become very good friends with a large bunch of people that I look forward to seeing every week.”

        Maureen: “Being a volunteer with Derby County has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

        Maureen Reece has become a vital part of Derby County Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub enabling retired and semi-retired people like herself to make the most of their free time.

        Maureen started her journey with Derby County as participant in the Community Trust’s Forever Active project, an exercise programme for the over 55’s, over five years ago.  However, Maureen enjoyed the sessions so much that she decided she wanted to give back to the Trust and help others. She became a DCCT volunteer in early 2019.

        She started off supporting the weekly Stability session for over 60s. However soon after she started volunteering, the Trust joined the EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hub Network and began planning the launch of their Hub.  Initially funded by the National Lottery and Sport England, Extra Time Hubs aim to make a positive difference to the lives of semi-retired and retired people. The Hubs are communities of likeminded people.  They include weekly gatherings, often at the football stadium, but also a varied combination of face to face and online groups and activities. Crucially at the hub all the activity that takes place is shaped by the members and they are supported to do the things that they want to do.

        Immediately, Maureen asked to be a part of this sessions and has played a pivotal role ever since, form setting up the session each fortnight to keeping everyone supplied with plenty of tea and coffee!  Maureen has helped others within the sessions she supports and helped people join the groups too. She is always happy about seeing people achieve their goals and progressing. She commits five hours per week to the Trust and is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

        During lockdown, Maureen remained engaged in several group chats and is helped staff to set challenges and encourage people to be more interactive in the group. When asked about how the sessions supported her during the pandemic, she answered that they “had been a lifesaver, as someone living alone.”

        Maureen also became an integral part of the Rams Lunch Club project, which has provided meals to various groups and helped reconnect isolated members of society. Maureen added: “Being a volunteer has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing, knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

        Jon Fairbrother Physical Activity and Health Officer added: “Maureen always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone. Her enthusiasm encourages the group to continue to attend and has helped with social activities away from the group too, which has been so important.”

        To find out more about Extra Time Hubs click here.

         

        A development journey: Hannah Jones and Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

        Hannah’s passion for being a leader, an innovator, and a mentor to women and girls in sports stems from her own experiences. Through, her club Rotherham United, she has been able to pursue a career focused on her desire to better the experiences of others.

        She said: “I currently hold a position within the FA Leadership Academy, which is designed to develop people as leaders, to plan, deliver and develop a project to impact the football community and the wider football community. Due to my own experiences, I focused my project on developing women footballers and women in the sport generally, giving them a sense of belonging in football, as well as producing and recognising talent.”

        Hannah attended Rotherham United Community Sports Trust college programme before enrolling onto their BA hons Degree in Community Coaching and development run in partnership with University of South Wales.

        With an abundance of experience and skills in numerous programmes the Trust offers from education to health and wellbeing, Hannah is an individual that is focused on providing and empowering every participant, colleague, friend she encounters especially in women’s sport.
        As part of the Female Development Programme whilst on the degree course, Hannah has had a plethora of opportunities to better her future, and shape that of others. The programme seeks to address the under-representation of women across the Football and Sport’s Coaching degree courses that are run at over 40 CCOs.

        The programme was established in 2021 to ensure all women on the course were offered a tailored programme of opportunities to expand their knowledge and confidence with women from other Clubs. By ensuring an inclusive environment, with opportunities to network and hear from like-minded professionals in the sport the programme ensures that the students on the degree course are provided with the opportunity to upskill and build confidence.

        Throughout the year they have access to a variety of events that feature female professionals from a variety of roles within sport. Speakers to date have included, senior Member of the EFL Trust who have shared their experience of working in Sport, Daisy Croker who referees on the FA Women’s National League and the U21s Professional Game Academy League. The next speaker will be Charlotte Healy, Manchester United Women’s Assistant Coach who will discusses her journey and progression her from role as a community coach at Derby County Community Trust to the pinnacle of English football in the Women’s Super League. With just 12 students involved in its first year, last year the number trebled to 36 students engaged in the programme.

        She explains: “The development of women and girls within a sporting environment is something that I do have concerns for and am passionate about in terms of developing. By providing this opportunity to our female students it will create an inclusive, welcoming, and quality experience.”

        The USW course has allowed Hannah to feel a sense of belonging. More so, it has allowed Hannah to develop and produce ideas to inspire the next generation that could lead to a huge, successful future for women in sport whether that be Hannah’s influence on them both on and off the pitch.

        The University of South Wales allows students to gain practical experience in their desired nature of work, whilst allowing for a blended learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning. The courses which are hosted at your local football club has a huge emphasis on gaining real world learning through placements with students only having to attend the University for short residential periods.

        She comments: “The whole experience will give the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals; students like yourself, perhaps past students, and those who work within the sporting industry. This will allow us to be our best selves, unite as one; acting together as one within the movement where we can strive to empower each other to realise potential and develop.”

        It is evident that Hannah has the ability to inspire change through her selfless desire to improve and aid those around her. With already a plethora of strings to her bow, Hannah’s aspirations have no limit.

        She said: “After completion of the 2-year course with USW, I hope to enrol onto the Sports Coaching and Development top-up degree, after which I would like to enrol onto a PGCE to follow the path into sports teaching, school and education. Alongside this I wish to continue my current coaching path; I’m soon to complete my FA Level 1, after which I hope to progress up the ladder in coaching badges (across multiple sports) and potentially begin my refereeing experience.”

        Click here to find out more about the degree