EVAN SEPHTON: “Pulling on a Wigan Athletic shirt is the best feeling in the world.”

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For Latics fan and season ticket holder Evan Sephton, the Every Player Counts disability football programme has provided the 13 year old with some unforgettable opportunities.

Having been a part of the scheme since its launch in November 2016, Evan’s development has been impressive, and as well as attending sessions regularly at Wigan Youth Zone, he also proudly represents the club’s disability team in the Greater Manchester Ability Counts League.

The Every Player Counts project, funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and administered by the EFL Trust, aims to get more people with disabilities involved in football and sport, with Wigan Athletic Community Trust working with over 400 individuals over the past 12 months.

He said: “I really enjoy playing for Wigan Athletic because it makes me so happy and I love having banter and fun with my friends. To pull on a Latics shirt is the best feeling in the world and I just want to do well when I play because I’m representing my club.”

Adding: “I’m a season ticket holder and go to all the home games. The players have been amazing this season and it’s so good to be at the top of League One.

Wigan Athletic Community Trust has delivered over 800 hours of coaching as part of the project, with 10% of participants, including Evan, progressing to play competitive sport.

Sean Rowlinson, Sport and Cohesion Coach, said: “In terms of the programmes we offer, delivering the Every Player Counts project is one of the most rewarding for me because we see participants really come to life and excel at what they have to offer us.”

He added: “Evan’s been fantastic and has been one of the standout participants. He’s gone from being quite shy and quiet but after getting to know the other lads and the players around him, he’s come out of his shell and is now one of the loudest in the group if anything.”

For more information about the Every Player Counts project, please contact Disability Football Officer Joe Pym on 01942 318090 or e-mail [email protected].

Wigan Athletic Football Club, Wigan Athletic Community Trust and the DW Stadium are committed to respecting and promoting equality and diversity across all its activities through ‘Together’.

To find out more information about Every Player Counts visit: https://www.efltrust.com/projects/every-player-counts/

Success for Norwich City Community Sports Foundation youngster

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Ryan Hunt has had a passion for football since he can first remember, and always dreamed of one day becoming a sports coach.

The youngster started out playing for his local community football club, and his talent on the pitch saw him involved with both the Community Sports Foundation’s (CSF) Boys’ Elite Player Development Centre (PDC) and Norwich City FC Academy.

In the classroom, however, Ryan struggled. Severely dyslexic, he has trouble with visual scanning, processing, and working memory. Because of this, he found it difficult to stay focussed and often got “lost” during lessons.

With GCSE’s looming, Ryan applied for the Foundation’s Football & Education programme, hoping he would obtain the grades required to gain a place.

“I was struggling badly,” explained Ryan. “I was revising pretty much every night, trying my hardest to study and pass my exams to get on to the course.”

Ryan was determined to gain more practical coaching experience; he took the time to volunteer at a number of CSF events and programmes throughout his teenage years.

“Football was something I always wanted to be involved in, I always tried hard to impress the other CSF staff and coaches just to show how much I really wanted to work there.”

Unfortunately, Ryan did not receive the grades to enrol on the Football & Education course but having proved his dedication with his volunteering, CSF offered Ryan a bespoke apprenticeship to become a support coach.

Since then, Ryan has completed his apprenticeship, and has now been offered a full-time role as a Community Sports Coach.

“He has come on leaps and bounds and is developing into a really nice young man.” said CSF Coach Development Manager Laurence York. “I would like to stress how much hard work Ryan has put in to get himself to this point.”

Michelle Hunt, Ryan’s mother said: “The support and help that CSF has given Ryan has been nothing short of outstanding – right from a young age. He is doing what he loves, learning new things everyday and has achieved his goals.”

To find out more about Norwich City CSF coaching opportunities, please contact [email protected].

Brentford FC CST launches an employment project for young carers in Ealing

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To mark Young Carers Awareness Day last week (25th January) Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is launching a project that will help young carers develop a future beyond their caring roles.

With research showing that 70% of young carers are NEET’s, the project – coined the ‘Get Set programme’ – will support young carers in Ealing with training and employment opportunities.

Ali Umar, who is a young carer for his mum, will certainly reap the benefits from the project:

“As a young carer, I take care of my younger siblings and think of them before I think of myself. In practical terms, I take them to school, make food for them and look after them.

“Basically, I’ve had to grow up a lot faster, because I have to think like a grown-up.”

The project hopes to bridge the gap for young carers who are often denied training and educational opportunities due to care commitments. The programme will include work visits, placements, CV writing support, and workshops with potential employers.

Brentford FC CST already runs a hugely successful young carers’ project; last year alone the Trust worked with nearly 200 young carers through educational and sporting activities.
Lee Doyle, Chief Executive of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said:

“Since Ealing Council commissioned Brentford FC CST to run their young carers programme we have increased participation in the programme from 25 young carers to nearly 200.

“The Get Set programme aims to enhance the existing project and empower young carers to achieve their life goals – regardless of their personal circumstances.”

The Get Set Programme is funded by the Pathways charity and the Fearless Foundation, which was set-up in memory of Danny Fullbrook –a well-known and respected sports journalist for the Daily Star.

Mark Dickinson, who helped set up the Fearless Foundation, said:

“The Fearless Foundation’s ethos has always been about inspiring young people to achieve their goals; this project will help young carers receive specialist training and support that they vitally need.”

To learn more about the ‘Get Set’ programme please contact Kathryn on 0208 326 7044 or at [email protected]

About Brentford FC CST:

With community work spanning three decades, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has established itself as a pioneering organisation for the local community. It uses the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire people from all walks of life.

Working in partnership with Brentford FC, the Trust offers a portfolio of programmes in education, health, sports participation and community engagement.

The Trust has won the ‘Football League Community Club of the Year’ award four times and now employs over 100 members of staff.

Visit http://www.brentfordfccst.com/

Easington Colliery to represent Sunderland AFC on the road to Wembley

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Easington Colliery Primary School are one step closer to Wembley Stadium after winning the Sunderland AFC club final of the EFL Kids Cup.

The youngsters lifted the trophy after overcoming Toner Avenue in the final of the Foundation of Light hosted six-a-side tournament yesterday (Wednesday 17th January) which saw over 30 primary school teams battle it out at Silksworth Sports Complex for the chance to represent the Black Cats.

Easington Colliery will now travel to Leeds United’s Elland Road in March where they will face under 11 sides from the other northern-based Championship clubs in the regional qualifiers with the victors earning the chance face the winners of the southern section at Wembley in front of thousands of fans before the EFL SkyBet Play-Off Final in May.

“We’re buzzing after winning the tournament and looking forward to a really good trip to Leeds United,” said the team. “We’re very excited. Leeds are a big Championship club and it will be good to play there [at Elland Road].

“We’re confident and we think we’ve got a good chance of getting to Wembley.”

The EFL Kids Cup is supported by the EFL Trust and involves thousands of schoolchildren each year making it one of the country’s largest national football competitions.

The SAFC club final was organised by Foundation of Light as part of the charity’s school sports provision which is delivered in hundreds of schools and academies across the North East, improving access and participation to football and sport.

Helen Byrne, the Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars Events Coordinator, added: “Today’s tournament has been a great opportunity for the kids to take part, especially for the winning team to go on and play at an amazing ground like Elland Road.

“The main aim today was to get as many kids as possible playing. We had over 240 youngsters from over 30 schools which was fantastic to see.

“It’s good to bring schools from Sunderland, South Tyneside, Washington and County Durham together and to give them opportunities to take part in a competition of this magnitude.

“We have numerous tournaments running throughout the year aimed at different age groups for boys and girls so there are plenty of chances to take part in different sports.”

For more information about Foundation of Light’s school sports, health and education programmes and how they can enhance your curriculum and inspire learning, email [email protected] or call 0191 5515318.

USW graduate sets his sight on America

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University of South Wales graduate Jake Mullinder believes studying the Community Football Coaching and Development Foundation Degree was the best decision he ever made, as he looks forward to advancing his coaching experience in America.

After nervously awaiting his A-Level results in 2014, Jake had no idea what to do next.

It wasn’t until he found the USW Foundation degree at Shrewsbury Town in the Community that his career aspirations flourished.

He commented: “After just 12 months on the USW course I went from doing P.E at sixth-form to delivering a soccer school to young children with Shrewsbury Town in the Community.

“From there, I got the opportunity to work on a variety of programmes from disability, to futsal, being a team leader on NCS and working at the advanced development centre.’’

Whilst studying for his degree, Jake also worked as Lead Community Coach at Shrewsbury Town in the Community and at The New Saints Ladies Football Club as a Goalkeeper Coach.

He hopes that all of this experience, alongside his degree, will help him one day achieve his dream of becoming a coach at an elite level.

He continued: “Working on a number of different programmes has really helped me to develop my confidence and allowed me to form a well-rounded and extensive knowledge of community sports.

“I have developed a huge passion for coaching and my desire is to one day work at the top level in the profession.

“I’d recommend the course to anyone looking at getting into sport, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot of people going to University have to wait until the final year of their course to get work experience, but at USW I managed to have 3 whole years of it.’’

After graduating last year, Jake became Shrewsbury Town in the Community’s Health and Inclusion co-ordinator.

In this role, Jake has overseen a number of programmes and has been involved in inspiring, educating and engaging people from a number of different backgrounds and abilities.

“I’ve been working at Shrewsbury Town in the Community now for three years, it has been a brilliant pathway for me and it’s fantastic to have been involved with the set up and seeing how the community sector has grown over the years.

“For me personally, working in the disability sector is the most fulfilling area, seeing kids having the opportunity to play football when they normally wouldn’t is a very rewarding position to have.’’

Looking forward, Jake sets his sight on bolstering his CV even further by gaining international coaching knowledge in America.

He added: “I’ll be involved in coaching a team over in America and working with goalkeepers of different ages. It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to trying it and seeing where it will take me.’’

To find out more about the Community Football Coaching and Development Foundation Degree at USW visit: http://www.southwales.ac.uk/courses/foundation-degree-community-football-coaching-and-development/

JOB VACANCY: Women and Girls Development Officer at Northampton Town

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The Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust is a pioneering charity that provides opportunities for all members of the local community to access quality sport and physical activity provision whatever their age, gender or ethnicity.

 An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate, enthusiastic and driven individual to join our team in the following position:

 • Women & Girls Development Officer

 Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust are seeking to employ a dynamic individual with the necessary enthusiasm and commitment to increase participation of females in grassroots sport. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for the planning, delivery and monitoring of engaging sporting activities across Northamptonshire for women and girls.

All candidates will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.

 If you think you have the passion, skills and aptitude and want to be part of a dynamic team making a difference, please send your completed application form to: [email protected]

 The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 19th January 2018.

 Interviews to take place week commencing Monday 22nd January 2018.

 For a full job specification, please click here.

Rob Green on the perfect degree for football supporters

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Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Rob Green believes the BA Hons Business Management (Sports and Football) Degree is the perfect qualification for football supporters.

The former England international is currently studying to gain the degree through the Open University and the course uses case studies and examples from the football industry to help apply theory to real world situations.

It is a way of learning that appealed instantly to the 36-year-old: “I wanted to have an idea what I wanted to do after I finished playing,” said Green. “The BA Hons Business Management Degree felt like a natural step for me to take. 

“It is hard work but enjoyable at the same time. The course is made up of numerous modules looking at different business areas and not just reading book after book. I have had to take case studies and apply them to real life situations.” 

The course, which is three years long for full-time students or six years for part-time, is ideal for Green as the degree is remote learning. Even though Green has one eye on his future after he hangs up his gloves, the goalkeeper still has his hands full competing for Premier League club Huddersfield Town on a weekly basis.

“The beauty of the course is its flexibility, it works for everybody,” Green added. “I have spoken to other people studying the degree that are fans and they are clearly looking to get into football. 

“People can study this course from all walks of life. Fans can apply their learning to the team they support. A number of people have done this and it has been interesting to listen to their opinions. To learn in an environment where you passionately care is brilliant.” 

Green’s career started back in 1999, when he made his debut for Norwich City in the East Anglian derby against Ipswich Town. Since then, he has made nearly 600 league appearances including helping West Ham United and Norwich City win promotion to the Premier League.

Discussing how he feels the BA Hons Business Management (Sports and Football) Degree will benefit him in later life, Green concluded: “To stay in football in a non-coaching capacity is something that appeals to me. 

“I’ve looked at working with footballers during their transitional period from playing to retiring and finding roles for them to do and it may not necessarily be in football. 

“There are a number of avenues I would like to look at and they are ideas. Even if it takes me a while after I retire to find the right thing, it doesn’t mean that it is a bad experience. 

“People have many different jobs before they retire and the beauty of it is when footballers finish playing they are still young people and have a lot of life to live.” 

The next BA Hons Business Management (Sports and Football) Degree, which has no formal entry requirements begins in February, with the deadline for enrolment on 11th January. The following degree will begin in February 2018.

If you have any enquiries or for full information, please contact the Open University today by clicking here.

10-Year-Old Ryan Holt Wins Oldham Athletics’ Goal Of The Month Award

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Congratulations to 10-year-old Ryan Holt who has won Oldham Athletics’ Goal of the Month competition for November.

Ryan, who is a supporter of the club, netted a superb free kick in the EFL Kids Cup competition to claim the prize.

The youngster was handed his award by striker Eoin Doyle who he fought off to win the award.

Ryan said: “I was shocked and happy. I knew who Eoin was because I watch them every week and I’m happy to get the award.”

Doyle added: “I wish I had that technique and I’ve asked him to teach me how to do it so I’m delighted for him. It was a great free kick and it went into the top corner so fair play to him.”

The video of the visit is below so make sure to give it a watch!

Derby County Community Trust invest more than ever in 2017

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Derby County Community Trust has invested £1.7 million – its highest figure ever – in helping the region’s communities become and remain active during the last 12 months.

During a highly successful year, the Trust has pumped in an extra £300K from 2016, and has seen the growth in several projects.

They include the National Citizen Service, which continues to increase its offer to the young people of Derby, with 524 Year 11 and 12 students taking part throughout the summer, an increase of 750% from the previous year.

And health programmes have expanded, including a new cancer recovery service, offering those living with and recovering from cancer tailored physical activity.

The growth of the Trust in the last year demonstrates its commitment to helping the region’s people across all ages and communities.

Simon Carnall, Head of Community, said:

“It has been another successful year for the Trust, using the power of Derby County Football Club to improve people’s lives. We are privileged to be in the position we hold at the heart of our local community, delivering a huge array of outstanding projects for the betterment of those communities.

“The variety and extent of our community activities continues to expand year on year and we now attract funding in excess of £1.3 million into the local area. The scheme has had a very strong financial year increasing its annual turnover to over £1.7m as well as increasing its full-time staffing levels.

“We are very proud of our achievements over the course of the past year and this report is our chance to make sure that people are aware of who we are, what we do, and why we do it.”

Derby County Chairman Mel Morris added:

“2017 has been another huge year for the Derby County Community Trust, with so many successful programmes that have touched the lives of thousands throughout Derbyshire.

“Their programmes have raised attainment in schools; developed talent pathways; helped people get healthier and stay more active, and made a difference to a record number of people.

“The team at our Community Trust can be justifiably proud of their achievements, but I know they don’t want to rest on their laurels. Over the coming months and years we will continue to ensure that the Derby County Community Trust’s delivery programmes are underpinned by the very highest aims and objectives, demonstrating the commitment from Derby County Football Club to enhance the lives of the community we live in and serve.

You can find the 2017 Derby County Community Trust annual report here >> DCCT Annual Report 2017

Foundation of Light Ladies Scholars Celebrate Tournament Win

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Foundation of Light’s Ladies Football Scholarship team overcame some of the country’s top development sides to win the inaugural National Football Youth League (NFYL) U19 Ladies Cup at St George’s Park.

Megan Elliott opened the scoring in the final against Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust before Emily Hutchinson doubled the lead at the FA’s national football centre.

The young Black Cats lifted the trophy after a memorable day which saw the girls score 11 goals without reply against Chelsea Foundation, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust and Burnley Shadow Youth Team in the group stages before defeating hosts Burton Albion Community Trust Ladies 3-0 in the semi-finals.

Ladies Scholars coach, Steve McClarence, said: “The whole day was a brilliant experience for the girls.

“To play at St George’s Park in a National Tournament against good opposition is exactly what the girls need. They played some brilliant football, worked hard and as a result didn’t concede a single goal all day.

“The Girls Pathway and football offer at the Foundation of Light is extremely strong now, and this is shown by the quality of players that we have on the Scholarship programme.”

Winning the Ladies Cup rounds off an incredible few months for the Foundation’s Football Scholarship which saw the Monkwearmouth men’s team claim the league and cup double in April, as well as several scholars join Premier League and Women’s Super League sides.

Further success could follow in 2018 with Monkwearmouth on course to retain their Midlands Division title and both the Ladies Scholars and Monkwearmouth North men’s teams currently sitting top of their respective leagues.

Currently recruiting for the 2017-18 academic year, the programme gives 16-18 year olds the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC in the NFYL U19 Development Leagues and ESFA College Cups and gain BTEC, AS and A Level qualifications through an intensive football and education course.

Foundation of Light’s Football Scholarship is delivered in partnership with Monkwearmouth Sixth Form Academy, South Tyneside College and Shildon AFC, Boldon School, The Hermitage Academy and is sponsored by leading dispensed soft drink suppliers ABCO-Anderson Beverage Company Limited.

For more information on the Foundation of Light Football Scholarship please email [email protected] or call 0191 5515191.