Michael: “I am a different person now after NCS.”

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Barnsley lad, Michael Worsley aged 17, was initially sceptical of the youth programme NCS. Little did he know that the 4 week programme was to change his life.

When Reds in the Community (Barnsley Football Club) visited Michael’s school to tell them about the opportunity of NCS, Michael wasn’t sold on (in his own words), ‘the whole NCS thing’. However his friends were convinced and shortly after he booked his place on the 4 week summer programme with Reds in the Community, he was surprised by the positive impact NCS had on his life.

NCS provides young people aged 16-17 the chance to take on new challenges, experience exciting activities, and make long-lasting friendships and support young people’s transition to adulthood.

Read Michael’s experience of NCS in his own words;

“I’m not afraid to admit that at first I wasn’t completely sold on the whole ‘NCS’ thing. When some random people from Barnsley Football Club came to my school ranting and raving about some government scheme that you’ve never heard of that will allegedly ‘change your life’, you can’t help but be sceptical.

“To then be told it only costs £50 for the equivalent of thousands of pounds worth of activities, it sounded way too good to be true. Unfortunately at the time, my friends were convinced and I was soon convinced into signing up.”

“Now after almost 4 weeks and nearing the end of my time on the NCS programme, I can’t help but look back fondly at how foolish I was. My life has completely changed. I am a different person now. It’s an impossible feeling to truly communicate without having experienced it first-hand, but what I can say is you will feel fundamentally different in the best way possible.

“After spending the first week challenging myself and doing things I wasn’t really comfortable doing, I couldn’t help being anything other than proud of myself afterwards. I already felt different.

“When the second week rolled around, all too quickly might I add, I thought I’d ace it. I’m a pragmatist and wholeheartedly believed I would effortlessly transition into the ‘real world ‘ when the time came to leave school and ‘grow up ‘ (whatever that means). I thought 5 days of living in the halls of residence for the first time would be so unbelievably easy. I couldn’t have been more wrong. But, NCS has helped me realise that about myself and shown me that I’ve still got a long way to go before I’m ready to take the newly revealed and shockingly large leap over a chasm filled with ‘grown up problems’.

“The 3rd and 4th weeks of planning and executing our social action brought along a whole new host of problems and shocking realisations, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Turns out that volunteering at an Extra Care Apartment Complex (old people’s home) is harder than it sounds but like I already said I wouldn’t change a thing.

“I haven’t even spoken about the extraordinary people that I’ve met so far… true friends that I’m already closer to after 4 weeks than people I’ve known for 4 years.

“I now have amazing unforgettable memories that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”

Barnsley Football Club are one of 42 EFL and Premier Clubs to celebrate the impact young people are making on NCS through the campaign #NCSMatchday. In 2019, young people from EFL Trust’s (Charity Arm of EFL) network delivered over 650 Social Action Projects, volunteered over 260,000 hours of social action and raised over £230,000 for local charities and causes that shines the light on the impact young people on NCS have had in their local community.

National Apprenticeship Week: First five Wycombe Wanderers apprentices reaping considerable rewards

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Today, Monday 3rd February 2020, marks the beginning of the 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week.

Apprenticeships are employability programmes that allow individuals to gain industry recognised qualifications at the same time as gaining valuable workplace experience, and are offered at different levels, from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) all the way up to Level 7 (Master’s Degree equivalent).

The purpose of National Apprenticeship Week is to recognise, applaud and celebrate apprenticeship success stories from across the country, and for organisations that employ apprentices to promote the huge benefits they bring to the workforce across all different industries.

Wycombe Wanderers Sports & Education Trust (WWSET), the official charity of Wycombe Wanderers FC, are relative newcomers to employing apprentices but are certainly reaping considerable rewards since their first five began back in September 2019.

It was actually off the back of National Apprenticeship Week 2019 that their awareness about the benefits of offering apprenticeships was raised and WWSET quickly realised that they could be perfect for the charity, as explained by Head of WWSET Paul Foley:

“During National Apprenticeship Week 2019 I happened to read an article on the EFL Trust (the charitable arm of the English Football League) website that was promoting the fantastic apprenticeship programme being offered by Walsall  FC’s Community Programme. After a bit of research I was convinced that not only could apprentices assist us with our staffing needs, but more importantly we could offer local young people a great opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience that would provide them with strong foundations to go on and build a career in the community sport and development sector.”

WWSET subsequently decided to recruit two ‘Level 2 Community Activator Coach’ apprentices along with one ‘Level 3 Community Sport & Health Officer’ apprentice, working in partnership with Sport Structures (https://www.sportstructures.com/), a national sports consultancy and education organisation who specialise in developing people and organisations in sport, to advertise the new roles.

Such was the number and quality of applications received, following the interview process WWSET offered posts to a total of five applicants:

  • Toby Macmichael, Will Stratford, Jack Fowler (Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprentices)
  • Georgia Grou (Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer apprentice)
  • Jason Carr (Level 3 Supporting Physical Education and School Sport apprentice)

Over the past five months each of the apprentices have become highly valued members of the WWSET team. They all settled into post extremely well, immediately establishing strong working relationships with their new colleagues and perhaps most critically, have shown a continued willingness and desire to immerse themselves in both their academic studies as well as their more practical work based tasks.

Kirk Williams, WWSET’s Head of Sports Participation, manages four of the five apprentices and had this to say about them:

“The apprentices have been a great addition to Wycombe Wanderers SET in our quest to grow and develop our workforce. We now have more “feet on the ground” in our local community and have been able to engage with more participants on a daily basis. Their enthusiasm to learn and develop their knowledge and experience has been excellent and that can be seen within the sessions they are now confidently delivering regularly within our programmes.”

WWSET’s Head of Health Sam Parker had this to say about Georgia Grou, who she line manages on a daily basis:

“I have found the apprenticeship process really positive; we have gained an extremely valuable member of staff who is willing to learn and passionate about what she is doing! Georgia has settled in really well and it has been a pleasure managing her and helping her gain confidence in herself and her future career.”

Georgia herself had this to say about her apprenticeship so far:

“Before my apprenticeship I spent two years at university, but realised this was not the right path for me as I am more of a practical rather than academic learner. Since being with WWSET I have learnt a range of new skills that I am able to apply to different areas of my job, all of which will help me get closer to reaching my future career aspirations. I most enjoy all of the hands on, practical sessions I have been involved in, as well as being part of an incredibly supportive team who are all ready to help me learn.  I would recommend apprenticeships as I have achieved so much with WWSET in the 5 months I have been with them, and see them as a great opportunity to grow yourself in a working environment.”

Fellow apprentice Jack Fowler said the following about his apprenticeship to date:

“During my time with WWSET I’ve picked up a variety of skills that I can use within the work place, and out of it. I’ve learnt that organisation is key to being successful, and in addition to this that successful communication makes the team work better.

With WWSET the best part is working with the other members of staff; they are all kind but also super supportive in every aspect of work.

Before this opportunity I was at college studying Level 3 TV & Film. I was quite shy, however now I feel confident and that’s all because of the wonderful support of the trust.

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to someone who’s looking to get involved in their chosen industry. It’s something that has really helped my development.”

In addition, Jason Carr said of his apprenticeship experience:

“As part of my apprenticeship I really enjoy being able to deliver school PE sessions, after-school clubs, and sessions within WWSET’s Elite Development Academy. I also enjoy being part of the team and working with different coaches.

During my apprenticeship I’ve learnt new ways to deal with behaviour management and combating any issues in that area, as well as new ways of improving my sessions by using ideas and methods that can be implemented in multiple situations when coaching.

The apprenticeship has given me a real taste for the job that I want to do long-term and given me even more hunger to succeed at the highest possible level. Therefore I’m looking at progressing up the coaching qualification ladder with the UEFA-B next in line.

Based on my experiences so far I would recommend an apprenticeship such as mine if you want to develop your coaching skills and increase your confidence in a leading and supporting coaching role.”

For further information on apprenticeships with WWSET visit: www.wwset.co.uk.

Andy Burnham helps to launch Latics Extra Time Hub session at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute

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Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham helped to launch Latics Extra Time Hub at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute on Thursday morning.

Run by Wigan Athletic Community Trust staff, the new session in Leigh continues the ongoing commitment by Latics to become a more age-friendly organisation.

Andy enjoyed a number of activities with members including table tennis, curling and archery with the programme aiming to make a positive different to the lives of retired and semi-retired people.

He said: “I have loved it and it’s brilliant to see everyone getting together, especially people who potentially don’t know each other, doing some gentle activities. It’s something I believe we need much more of in all communities.

“As a resident of this borough, I see how much Wigan Athletic Community Trust do across the community and they deserve great credit for what they do, touching all age groups, young and old, and over the years they have gone from strength to strength.

“Going forward we need to have a culture of activity in all of our communities and the Community Trust are leading the way on that.”

Funded by the National Lottery and Sport England and backed by the EFL Trust, the Extra Time Hub offers a range of activities and also the chance to meet and spend time with other like-minded people from the area.

The Community Trust also run a session at the DW Stadium every Tuesday afternoon between 1pm-3pm.

Christine Blundell, Extra Time Hub Activator for Wigan Athletic, said: “Extra Time is one of the projects that Wigan Athletic Community Trust offer to our ageing community and specifically for semi-retired or retired people in the community.

“We offer a variety of activities on the weekly sessions, anything from a quiz to table tennis with the aim of getting like-minded people together to tackle loneliness and social isolation and overall improve health and wellbeing.

“We have been running a session at the DW Stadium for nearly a year and had a huge success with it with over 50 members signed up and an average of 25 members attending a week. It’s done so well we wanted to bring it across the borough to Leigh.”

Doreen Cummins recently started attending the session in Leigh and says it is exactly what she needed.

“I enjoy the social aspect of Extra Time; chatting to other members and having a go at the number of different activities like the quiz.

“It’s great having it in Leigh because I can walk to the session and everything about it is right for me, there are nice people here and I’ve met new friends as well.

“You feel good when you go home because you’ve had a laugh, you’ve enjoyed your afternoon and you don’t feel like you’ve wasted a day.”

Sessions are £3 per week, with your first session free. Refreshments also provided.

To find out more information about the Extra Time Hub, please contact Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub Activator Christine Blundell on [email protected] or call 01942 318090.

 

 

Football Unites to celebrate NCS teen’s contribution to society

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#NCSMatchday is a national campaign run by the EFL Trust celebrating the impact thousands of young people from EFL & Premier League Clubs have had in their local community.

In 2019, young people on the National Citizen Service delivered over 650 Social Action Projects, volunteered over 260,000 hours of social action and raised over £230,000 for local charities and causes through their local football Club.

Through the EFL Trust, NCS is delivered by 65 football Clubs and youth organisations up and down the country providing young people aged 16-17 the chance to take on new challenges, experience exciting activities, make long-lasting friendships and supports their transition into adulthood.

This year #NCSMatchday is supported by over 40 EFL and Premier League Clubs during February and March raising awareness of NCS and the positive impact it has had in local communities.

First team players from Clubs such as Leeds United, Wigan Athletic and QPR will welcome NCS Graduates and wear an NCS branded t-shirt as they warm up to celebrate the young people’s work in the local community.

Middlesbrough Football Club are one of the Clubs supporting #NCSMatchday and First Team player Johnny Howson is fully behind the campaign and NCS;

“I saw first-hand last summer the difference the NCS programme can make, not just to the lives of the young people who take part. MFC Foundation (Middlesbrough Football Club), invited me to spend time with some of the participants and it was a real eye-opener.

“It isn’t just about the four-week programme, for many of them it is the first time they have spent time away from home, learning how to cope that little bit of independence. Life skills which come easier to some than others.

“The programme is varied, there is a lot of fun to be had and if something like this had been around when I was their age I would definitely have been interested. It’s a great experience.”

Mike Evans, Chief Executive Officer at EFL Trust:

“NCS Match Day is now a key date in the football calendar. The support we get from EFL and Premier league clubs to amplify the positive message of NCS is fantastic. Football is at the heart of the community and a key driver to engage audiences that would not normally engage. NCS is inclusive for all young people and football helps us engage all parts of the community.  

NCS is a key project for EFL Trust to deliver on our vision of stronger, healthier more active communities.” 

Almost 600,000 young people have completed the NCS programme to date, giving up an incredible 14.5 million hours to social action projects since NCS started. Since 2009, EFL Trust have engaged over 60,000 young people across the country on NCS.

To find out more and sign up, visit: www.wearencs.com.

EFL Trust hosts largest ever NCS Conference

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Hundreds of team members from the EFL Trust’s NCS network came together from across the country to celebrate the success of NCS 2019 and look ahead at delivering the experience to 24,000 young people this year.

NCS is a youth programme that runs every summer and autumn, during school holidays, designed for 16-17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland.

Teens get the opportunity to mix with a new crowd, live away from home for a while, take on new challenges and in the process build lifelong friendships.

Having successfully won a bid to deliver NCS to 24,000 young people in 2020, the EFL Trust’s NCS Conference doubled in size, welcoming over 65 NCS providers including Community Club Organisations, Sports Charities and Youth Organisations.

The purpose of the conference was to share experiences and learn from one another so that EFL Trust’s network can provide the best possible experience for young people across the country on NCS.

Hosting this year’s conference was NCS Graduate Jasmin Devine-Runkee, who did an excellent job in front of over 170 delegates. Jasmin is a fine example of how NCS allows young people to grow. She graduated from NCS in 2018 with Hymers College in Hull and has since gone onto take part in plenty of opportunities which includes hosting this year’s conference and being a key member of the EFL Trust’s Regional Youth Board.

During the conference delegates heard from Dame Juila Cleverdon, Board member of NCS Trust and co-founder of #iwill campaign. Julia spoke with passion about the EFL Trust’s NCS programme and the positive impact our network has had on thousands of young people. Referring to the power of football, Julia said;

“You have an incredible power to reach, retain and excite people in communities in ways that others just can’t.”

Delegates also heard from NCS Graduates, Emmanuel Essien, Leonie Hudson and Joe Harris, who shared their experience on NCS and their journey after, inspiring the audience. Amanda Best, Chief Operations Officer, at NCS Trust also addressed the network about the exciting future of NCS, and the delegates also heard from Dan Baxter, College Relationship Manager at NCS Trust.

Dominik Stingas Paczko, Head of NCS at EFL Trust was delighted with how the EFL Trust NCS Conference had gone;

“The range of NCS experience in attendance across the audience, is by far the broadest we have ever had. Some delivery partners are entering their 9th year of delivery, while others are embarking on their first tentative steps. Our conference has been an opportunity to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and learn different ways of working to enhance each and everyone’s NCS programme so we can offer the best possible programme to young people of this country.”

EFL Trust has worked with NCS since 2009, delivering the life-changing experience for young people across the country. To date, we have worked with over 60,000 teenagers, helping them to realise their potential and reach their future goals.

EFL Trust Board Trustee and young NCS champion announced within New Year Honours

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Charlotte Hill, Senior Independent Trustee on the EFL Trust Board has been awarded an OBE for services to young people in the 2020 New Year Honours.

Charlotte joined the EFL Board in March 2015 and has been a driving force behind the charity’s governance reforms and strategy, especially towards creating opportunities for young people.

Charlotte became Chief Executive of Step Up to Serve, the charity that coordinates the #iwill campaign, in April 2014. Under her leadership, the campaign has grown from strength to strength and over 1,000 organisations have pledged to the campaign, from an initial fifty at its launch.

During the period of Charlotte’s leadership, £500m of Government funding has been secured for youth services due to collective lobbying by #iwillcampaign youth-sector partners and £70m+ of funding for youth social action has been secured through the #iwill Fund. 300 inspirational #iwill Ambassadors from across the UK now represent the campaign.

Charlotte is currently on maternity leave and will be returning to Step Up To Serve in Spring 2020. Prior to joining the #iwill campaign, she had been Chief Executive of UK Youth. Charlotte also worked for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) as their Parliamentary Advisor.

Charlotte Hill said:

“I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award. Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They have the energy, talent and ideas to change the world today. So all the credit goes to them, to my wonderful colleagues at Step Up To Serve, and to the brilliant organisations I have had the joy of working with who are committed to growing the power of youth.”

Also featured in this Jaunary’s honours is Jack Marshall, NCS Graduate and former Regional Youth Board member of EFL Trust who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours.

Jack, 21 from Belton, near Grantham, was awarded a BEM in the New Year Honours for his fundraising and campaigning for the rights of disabled children.

Jack himself, has Moebius syndrome, which has left him with no facial nerves. He also has no cerebellum which affects his balance and coordination, but despite his health issues he has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Talking about the award, Jack said he was very “honoured and privileged” to have been recognised.

“I am surprised, I am only 21,” he said.

“I am very honoured and privileged. I don’t do it for the awards or the recognition.

“I do it to help people, people less fortunate than myself.”

In 2016, Jack graduated from National Citizen Service with Element Society. During the social action stage of the programme, Jack played a key part alongside 15 members of his group in establishing a project called “Access Sheffield” about improving disabled access within Sheffield.

The project, that was nominated for a National Award and featured as a part of NCS Action Day, was designed to help raise awareness of how difficult it can be for wheelchair users and disabled people to navigate a straight forward journey independently around the city.

You can see more about the project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vStXWmTOolI

As well as his NCS social action work, Jack has undertaken numerous challenges including walking over the Humber Bridge, sponsored runs and scaling Ben Nevis which took over 19 hours to complete.

He has also spoken about his experiences on NCS and the challenges he has faced and subsequently overcame in the House of Lords and House of Commons.

Mike Evans, Director of Operations, EFL Trust, said:

“We were delighted to hear the news about both Charlotte and Jack and are proud to have such strong individuals involved with the EFL Trust.

“At the EFL Trust, our vision is to create stronger, healthier and more active communities and our programmes are designed to deliver these outcomes.

“It is fantastic to see two people involved with our organisation in such different ways, honoured in this way and we congratulate them both.”

 

Five new Club Community Organisations on board for second year of innovative Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered project

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Women in Sport, in partnership with the Fatherhood Institute, EFL Trust and the University of Newcastle (Australia), is excited to announce that five new Club Community Organisations (CCO’s) will be part of the ‘Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered’ project for the next two years in the UK.

Leyton Orient Trust, The Albion Foundation (West Bromwich Albion), Foundation of Light (Sunderland AFC), Middlesbrough FC Foundation and Stoke City Community Trust will join Fulham FC Foundation, who were part of the project’s inaugural pilot year. In total, six clubs will deliver the programme for the next two years, supported by Sport England’s Families Fund through National Lottery funding.

The ‘Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered’ programme has been developed by the University of Newcastle (Australia) and Professor Philip Morgan and his team.

The programme aims to increase physical activity levels, sports skills and social-emotional wellbeing of girls 5-11 years by challenging stereotypes about playing sport and physical activity and increase fathers’ confidence and ability to act as role models in relation to their daughter’s participation.

Eleven families took part in the project’s inaugural year, and the programme had a great impact on those that took part. Initial findings suggest:

  • Father and father-figures on the programme mentioned growing a stronger bond with their daughters and suggested they would increase the amount of family activity they do as a result of taking part.
  • All the girls that took part in the project showed a strong belief that girls are just as capable as boys at physical activity and should be able to enjoy the same opportunities, both individually and with their family.

Lee Warren, Innovation Manager for the DAD Project, said:

“We’re delighted to have five new clubs involved in this project for the next two years alongside continuing our partnership with Fulham who have built strong foundations. We’ve already started to see the impact that the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered programme can have on its participants and the long-term lifestyle changes that it can deliver. We’re looking forward to seeing these clubs support more families in their local communities to get active.”

  • Women in Sport and the project partners will explore these initial findings in greater depth with a larger sample size to understand any significant impact in year two and three.

Mike Diaper, Executive Director Children, Young People and Tackling Inactivity, at Sport England said;

“Following a successful first year of testing the Daughters and Dads programme, we are really pleased that our National Lottery investment can now help to extend its reach into new areas across England.   We know that we need to continue to do more to help girls and less affluent families get active, and one thing that hinders this are gender stereotypes that can cause families to believe that physical activity is less important for girls than boys. We also know that parents and carers often see their role as helpers and less as role models in encouraging their children to be active. This programme, based on a model from Australia, is addressing these challenges and we look forward to seeing the results of this in the North East, West Midlands and London.”

Mike Evans, Director of Operations, EFL Trust said:

“The EFL Trust are delighted that our Club Community Organisations are involved in this project, empowering young girls to be more confident and to begin to take the lead in encouraging their families to have a more active lifestyle. We are proud to have the opportunity to enable daughters and their fathers to spend more time together whilst developing positive and life changing habits.”

For more information on the Research and Advice Service and Women in Sport’s work visit www.womeninsport.org.

EFL Trust are helping 10,000 fans tackle their weight

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The EFL Trust are helping fans to tackle their weight, get healthier and be happier by joining FIT FANS, a free 12 week programme, launching in January 2020 at 30 Clubs in England.

The EFL Trust’s FIT FANS programme will be supported by over £2.25 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England and will aim to use the magnetism of football to tackle obesity levels in over 10,000 fans across the UK.

36.4 million people (61.4% of England’s population) live within 10 miles of an EFL ground, with four in 10 residents within this catchment area falling into the most-deprived population groups.

Sport England has identified lower physical activity participation rates among people living on low incomes and that is why they have joined forces with the EFL Trust network to help people create a long-term healthy and active lifestyle.  FIT FANS is one of a number of initiatives to tackle lower physical activity participation rates among people living on low incomes, which is one of Sport England’s key priorities.

FIT FANS is the operating name in England and Wales for Football Fans in Training, which was created in a Scotland by the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Professional Football League Trust.

The programme shows individuals how to:

  • Improve their eating habits by reducing portion sizes and swapping fatty and sugary foods for fruit, vegetables and high fibre foods
  • Achieve at least 45 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week. They receive weekly exercise sessions at their club for 12 weeks, and follow a personal pedometer based walking programme that encourages them to fit physical activity into their daily lives
  • Use tried-and-tested behaviour change techniques to become more active and improve their diet. These include regular self-monitoring of their weight and pedometer step counts and setting SMART goals to make changes that can be sustained long term.

The 12 week programme gives fans unprecedented access to their Club and a look behind the scenes.

In 2011/12, a large scale randomised, controlled trial study showed that 12 months after the programme, men had lost an average of 5% of their starting weight by making gradual practical changes to their physical activity and diet, that they could keep up in their everyday lives.

Mike Evans, Director of Operations, EFL Trust said:

“FIT FANS is an example of our potential to make a really significant contribution to the health of our communities.  We are excited by the prospect of rolling the programme our across out network and reaching many thousands of men and women.”

Patrick Brosnan, Sport England’s Football Lead said:

“We are delighted to see the success FIT FANS has had in its pilot phase at 5 EFL clubs in England and hope that the National Lottery funding to EFL Trust will go a long way in harnessing football fans’ love for the game to support more people to lead healthy and active lives.”

Nicky Reid, Chief Executive, SPFL Trust comments:

“We are delighted to have reached agreement with the EFL Trust to bring Football Fans in Training to clubs right across the EFL. The programme – which was developed in Scotland – has been life changing for thousands of men and women, in both the short and long-term. I am sure that thousands of football fans are going to love being part of the programme, and are going to reap enormous rewards by being healthier and happier.”

To find out more or sign up to FIT FANS visit: https://www.efltrust.com/fitfans/

Foxton Centre users welcomed to EFL House this Christmas

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The English Football League opened its doors and welcomed members of the local community to EFL House today.

A number of adults and young people who use the Foxton Centre, a Preston-based charity which provides support, safety and resources for homeless and vulnerable people in the city, attended a Christmas meal hosted by the EFL.

Earlier this year it was revealed that rough sleeping across Lancashire has risen by 53% in the last twelve months and the Foxton Centre provides a number of services in Preston, including a community café, work experience and volunteering programmes and identify rough sleepers through their outreach work.

By holding the event, the EFL hopes to raise awareness of the important services the Foxton Centre offers and give back to those less fortunate at this time of year.

EFL staff were also joined by Preston North End striker Louis Moult and a number of academy players and staff from the Sky Bet Championship Club at the event.

Preston North End are a huge supporter of the Foxton Centre and last month, hosted the Big PNE Sleep Out with over 300 participants of the event, raising over £57,000 to date. The money raised will be used to buy and renovate a house in Preston which will provide shelter and accommodation for homeless people in Preston.

Mark Rowan, Communications Director at the EFL said, “The EFL is proud to be working with The Foxton Centre this year and welcome those across the city that use their services to EFL house.

“We realise that Christmas is a difficult time for many people across the city but by holding this event we hope the organisation has been able to make even a small difference to some people’s lives this year and raise awareness of the great work the Foxton Centre does here in Preston.

“We’d like to thank the Foxton Centre, Preston North End, Crave catering and Redline for working with us to make this event happen.”

Tom Drake, Head of Community at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, said, “Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust pride ourselves on being at the very heart of Preston’s community.

“As a club and a Trust, we are extremely proud of the partnership we have forged with The Foxton Centre over the last two years.

“The Big PNE Sleep Out is one of our highlights for 2019. To see over 300 proud Prestonians do their bit for some of Preston’s most vulnerable, is a testament to the great people of this City. I look forward to seeing what great things the club, Trust and The Foxton Centre can achieve in 2020.”

 

Stags duo bring festive gifts to young supporters

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Mansfield Town wingers CJ Hamilton and Otis Khan brought some festive cheer to youngsters from across the district last night, attending the annual SSA Christmas Party.

The duo visited youngsters Jango’s Indoor Play Centre and completed a special mission set by Santa, to deliver festive chocolates for youngsters to enjoy when they met the man in the red suit in his special Grotto.

“We know how special it is for kids at Christmas, they love any little surprises and stuff like that – it’s always nice to give back to the Community at these times, especially when the kids always come to the games – it’s nice to see them and put a smile on their face.” Said, Hamilton.

Fellow winger Khan added: “We brought down some chocolates for the kids, all of the kids like that at Christmas so we thought we’d surprise them. It’s nice to put a smile on the kids’ faces.

Kids get excited for Christmas, they look forward to it all year round and when they come to parties like this they see their friends and everybody gets excited together. They get to meet Santa, it’s just a great time for everyone.”

 

The SSA Christmas Party is funded thanks to the donations and support of Stags Supporters Association members and is one of three parties funded by the organisation throughout the season, all are available FREE to Junior Members – working in partnership with Football in the Community to get young fans to engage and enjoy Football.

Junior SSA Members can enjoy a range of benefits throughout the season, including discount on Football in the Community’s match-day clubs, the next one being this coming Saturday as Graham Coughlan takes charge of the Stags for the first time. Youngsters aged 5 to 15 can enjoy two hours playing football on the 3G Pitches in mini-tournaments, before watching the big match with Football in the Community. Junior members can attend for just £12, non-members are charged £17 which includes the match.

Another benefit of being a Junior Member is discount on Football in the Community’s popular holiday clubs, with the next one being on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd January at the One Call Stadium, 10am to 2pm. Junior SSA Members can attend both days for just £18, or one day for £10 – non-members are charged £12 per day and activities include multi-sport games, coaching activities and tournament style football. To book, visit http://www.tinyurl.com/FITCJAN20

Speaking of Football in the Community’s activities and the partnership with the SSA, winger Hamilton added: “It’s really good, it gets them to do different activities, keeping them fit and getting them out and about playing with others – it creates a really good atmosphere.”

Mansfield Town Football in the Community would like to thank CJ and Otis for attending, the SSA for their continued support, and all the parents and participants who make every day extra special.