Foundation Degree with Stevenage Foundation enhanced Sonny’s leadership as a coach.

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Prior to enrolling on the Foundation Degree with Stevenage Foundation, in partnership with the University of South Wales Sonny was already well known at the Foundation having been an apprentice.

His experience within the environment meant Sonny already had a high level of confidence when it came to coaching and working as part of a team environment. Although Sonny’s foundations did not need building in this instance, the Degree Course was perfect for him to develop further on and off the pitch and nurture his leadership skills.

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.

Personal and professional development is paramount on the Foundation Degree and something Sonny excelled at despite having a wealth of previous experience.

With the possibility to always improve, Sonny said: “ I was able to develop my understanding of coaching techniques to discover how they work in getting the best out of each individual/group.”

As a result, Sonny is now the lead coach for local club Bishops Stortford where his ability to differentiate between coaching techniques is pivotal as he coaches children ranging from U7’s to U13’s.

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University of South Wales graduate now working full-time at Stevenage Foundation and Stevenage FC Academy.

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Whilst on the Foundation Degree in partnership with the University of South Wales and Stevenage Foundation, Josh gained on the job experience through the Foundations community projects that has allowed him to make the natural progression into full-time coaching.

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.

Consequently, through the mixed learning styles that the degree course holds, Josh was able to develop both personally and professionally to benefit his own coaching, and the experience of the participants he now coaches.

He said: “ The course allowed me to learn different coaching techniques in order to manage each and every individual differently. This allows me to add a different strength to my coaching as my ability to manage individuals with different abilities has improved.”

The course also gave Josh the opportunity to gain professional qualifications in his UEFA B license, that set the foundations for his progression where he not only coaches at the Foundation but is also the lead U12’s coach at Stevenage FC Academy.

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Degree course with Blackpool FC Community Trust gives Courtney the confidence chase her dream of becoming a teacher.

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Having had the desire to work within sport and education since an early age, the degree course with Blackpool FC Sports College and Blackpool FC Community Trust has given Courtney the confidence and opportunity to pursue her dream.

She explained: “My passion for sports started at such a young age, it is since then that I have wanted to become a PE teacher However, I wasn’t sure that I had enough confidence to teach, which has led me to study on this programme.”

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 unique nature of studying for a degree with the University of South Wales means Courtney did not have to choose between finishing her education or gaining experience in a working environment. As the degree provides practical experience whilst student learn.

She said: “I decided that the USW Foundation Degree was for me as it offers a range of opportunities to better my knowledge and experience within a sports environment. The degree can help me become a better coach as I will gain more experience on my placement as well as knowledge due to assignments. “

Having been involved in various coaching and teaching practices from day one, Courtney has naturally grown in confidence, a skill which will undoubtedly be pivotal in her future success as a teacher.

Although Courtney’s confidence is now enough for her to feel comfortable in delivering and coaching an array of sessions, it has not always been that way.

Courtney is a very keen advocate of more females enrolling onto the degree course. Courtney is part of the Female Development Programme as a representative of her year group.

She said: “I personally feel this programme will benefit all females because you are given a choice on what you prefer, it gives you the opportunity to give your opinion on how women can develop in the sporting industry. The more females involved within the female development programme, the more opportunity, and benefits there will be for us!

I feel as it is important for more females to be involved within the degree and sport because it creates role models for other females to feel the confidence to also become involved which creates a higher percentage of female involvement. Women increased involvement can also promote positive development in sports such as values, attitude, knowledge, capabilities, and experience. “

After concluding her two-year foundation degree, Courtney hopes to continue onto the top-up degree before applying to complete her PGCE to fulfil her career aspirations of becoming a teacher.

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Blackburn Rovers Community Trust launch female Veterans programme

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Blackburn Rovers Community Trust will be launching a brand-new project, focused on helping female Veterans.

The launch of the new Female Veterans Employability Programme follows on from our successful Veterans project, which operates on a weekly basis at Ewood Park.

Funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the female Veterans programme will run for an initial three years for women who have served in the HM Armed Forces

Lasting a total of 36 weeks per cohort, the programme is designed to help female veterans develop career confidence and help them prepare for employment.

The project will include volunteering, employability workshops, health, and well-being activities, informal one to one support, digital skills, and other activities.

The programme has been launched ahead of Armed Forces Day 2023, which will take place on Saturday 24th June.

Lauren Yeates, who will lead the project for Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, said: “We are delighted that we will now be offering support and a service to female Veterans for at least the next three years.

“I’d like to thank The Army Forces Covenant Fund Trust for helping fund the project, and we will do our upmost to support female Veterans living in the Blackburn with Darwen and wider Lancashire area. If you have any questions, please do get in touch.”

 

 

Armed Forces Covent with Exeter City Community Trust reignites the camaraderie between two friends.

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Jack and William served in Devons Army Regiment during the early 1950’s where they completed their two years of national service. The pair who shared everything during this period of time were friends until they lost contact after their service.

However, unbeknown to one another they would be reunited at the Armed Covenant Project with Exeter City Community Trust.

The project ensures that those who have served in the Armed Forces are above all treated fairly. It allows the community to be embraced through providing them with a platform to reconnect, share experiences and offer support to each other.

The first encounter between Jack and William was fuelled by emotion, disbelief, and joy. None of them were aware that the other had also signed up to be a part of the project.

It could be described as time standing still as they first catch a glimpse of each other after five decades had passed. But, as they shared memories of their time in the Devon’s Army Regiment, time came flooding back like they’d never lost touch.

With its ability to provide support, opportunities, connections and reconnections, Jack and William are just one example of how powerful the project is for those who have served.

 

 

*For anonymity the names in this story have been changed.

EFL and EFL Trust sign Armed Forces Covenant

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Ahead of Armed Forces Day (Saturday 24 June), the EFL and EFL Trust earlier this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support the armed forces community and their families.

In signing the covenant, which took place at EFL House, the EFL and EFL Trust seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring and pledging ongoing support to them within the organisation and community.

Cathy Abraham, CEO of the EFL Trust, said: “Members of the Armed Forces make a significant contribution to our country and we understand the issues that veterans and their family members face.

“We are proud to make a commit to share opportunities with the Armed Forces family, using football to bring people together for the greater good, and in an environment where they are treated fairly and equally and with an opportunity to thrive.”

In attendance at the signing were members of the military and of the EFL network of Club Community organisations who are already supporting the covenant in their communities. . Signing on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Community was Colonel Darren Doherty.

Photo by Phil Oldham/Shutterstock 
A general view during the event
EFL Armed Forces Covenant Signing, Football, EFL House, Preston, UK – 20 Jun 2023

 

Colonel Darren Doherty, said: “People who serve in or have served in the armed forces and their families have to give up quite a lot. The covenant looks to make sure they are not disadvantaged as a result of that service. Particularly those who suffered from mental illness or life changing injuries… we’re just looking to make sure that we’re not disadvantaged in terms of the practical aspects such as housing, employment, education.

“Football is the soldier’s game and is so connected with community. This is it’s so important to have support from organisations like the EFL and EFL Trust.”

Also invited to the event was Mark Ward from Stockport County Community Trust, who served as a solider and was awarded the Military Cross in 2010.

Mark said: “I served 10 years in the infantry with my local regiment. Throughout this time, football was a big part of army life – the connection between football and the armed forces has been going for a long time.

“Upon leaving the army I found it really difficult to settle back into civilian life but thanks to football, it helped me get to where I am today. I gained my coaching badges and got a full-time role with Stockport County Community Trust.

“We’re now looking at piloting our own programmes for the Armed Forces in the local area, where I can use my personal experience to help others from a similar background to me.”

Many Clubs across the League provide a range of support programmes for veterans of all ages, helping them with mental health challenges and education and employment opportunities.

Speaking at the signing, Ashley Hackett, CEO of Blackpool Community Trust, said:

“When we talk about armed forces veterans, typically we think of people aged 60 – 70 years of age but it is absolutely not just that age group. The people we are engaging with at Blackpool Community Trust are in their 20s and early thirties.

“While our provision primarily focuses on football activities, we also deliver support for things like housing benefits and mental and social health for each veteran and their family members.”

Jacob volunteering with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation after attending their Refugee sessions.

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At just 14 years old, Jacob left his home in Sudan and made the journey to the United Kingdom, a journey that would take him 3 years. Jacob describes this ordeal as “extremely daunting and scary.”

Having now been in the UK for 2 years, Jacob is 18 years old and has been volunteering with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation with ambition to establish a career in sport.

His role as a Facility Staff Member is based at ‘Foundation Park’, a place he knows well from his own participation.

For Jacob, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation and football were the two things that provided him support and stability when he arrived.

With no means of employment, and a stipend that doesn’t allow for leisure activities, Jacob and others are faced with long hours of boredom.

One outlet that is available to them is sport, and recognising this, the Foundation has given refugees the opportunity to attend coached sessions and play matches using the Foundation’s facilities.

The weekly sessions average around 20 participants, and those who are regularly committed have also been able to form a team. The Foundation also assist the participants with obtaining any kit that may be required in order to remove any barriers to participation they may be faced with.

Jacob loves attending weekly sessions at the Swindon Town FC Community Hub ‘Foundation Park’ which sits under the shadow of STFC home stadium The County Ground.

Swindon Town FC Foundation has given Jacob the opportunity to be active, meet new people, and aspire to pursue a career in something he loves.

EFL and British Red Cross ‘Club Together’ to tackle loneliness in young people

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The EFL and its charity partner the British Red Cross are coming together during Loneliness Awareness Week to launch a Kindness Activity Pack called ‘Let’s Club Together’, a new initiative for schools designed to help children and young people positively combat loneliness by focusing on kindness and togetherness.

The pack, which is free for schools to access, and is available online as well as in print, contains a variety of activities to encourage children to think about:

  • How to look after yourself to become a stronger member of your team
  • Social interaction with others and the importance of friendship and support
  • Promoting positive experiences through kindness

While the pack has launched today as part of Loneliness Awareness Week, it can be used all year round and contains five activities which encourage young people to think about how they can look after themselves and others.

Schools can sign up to receive the pack here.

At the end of the week children who have taken part will be encouraged to wear the kit of their favourite football team, or a colour that makes them happy, and donate £1 to the British Red Cross to enable them to continue their valuable work.

EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said:

“Football has a remarkable ability to bring people together and the EFL’s partnership with British Red Cross has been about harnessing that power to make a real difference in communities across the country.

“Loneliness can have an impact on people of all ages and from all walks of life and equipping young people with the skills to spot signs of loneliness, both in themselves and others is a vital skill that they will be able to use throughout their lives.”

The Kindness Activity Pack builds on the work delivered during the first year of the partnership which has also seen a new ticketing scheme piloted at EFL Clubs across the country. This new scheme brought people together with other local fans to enjoy a match; helping to reduce feelings of isolation and encourage new friendships and connections.

Mike Adamson, chief executive, British Red Cross, said:

“We know that feeling lonely can have a serious impact on your health and wellbeing and it can affect anyone. There’s often an assumption that loneliness mainly affects older people, but it can be a problem at any age and recent research has found that students and young people can be particularly susceptible.

“That’s why it’s really important to make young people aware of loneliness and how they can recognise its effects, support others who might be having a difficult time and find support for themselves when they need it. We know that when people are less lonely and better connected, communities are stronger and more resilient.

“Our partnership with the EFL gives us the chance to reach this vital audience, working together to reduce isolation in communities around the country.”

The EFL and the British Red Cross teamed up at the start of the 2022/23 season with the shared ambition of reducing isolation in communities around the country via the EFL and its 72 Clubs. With one in five people in the UK currently experiencing loneliness, the work of the partnership has never been more important.

The partnership has also raised significant funds to support the valuable work of the British Red Cross.

 

Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has been a lifesaver for David and his wife Carys

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Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has become the highlight of David and his wife and carer, Carys’ week.

Before joining the sessions, David struggled with illness and was in and out of the hospital regularly until he, unfortunately, had to have his leg amputated. Shortly after, David was also diagnosed with mixed dementia.

With Carys taking on the role of his carer, the pair were adjusting to David’s condition and his new life in a wheelchair. While dealing with the adjustment, they found themselves increasingly isolated and simply unable to meet new people or engage socially.

That was until they were referred to the Extra Time Programme by a Community Link worker to help them re-engage with the community while also giving Carys a chance to relax and unwind while knowing that David still had support around him.

The pair have become a staple of the Extra Time Hub at Wigan Youth Zone ever since joining their first session. The session has become “the highlight of their week” while enabling them to build new friendships, increase their mobility and gain a new lease on life.

The Extra Time Programme, originally created by the EFL Trust and funded in partnership with Wigan Athletic Supporters Club, hosts weekly Extra Time Hubs at Wigan Youth Zone and Leigh Miners with the aim of tackling loneliness and social isolation amongst our elderly community.

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.

Speaking about her enjoyment of the sessions, Carys said:

“Before coming to the Extra Time Hub, he [David] was very poorly for a couple of years, in and out of the hospital, and then unfortunately, he had to have his leg amputated.

“And then he was diagnosed with mixed dementia. We were just getting used to the fact that he was now in a wheelchair, but we weren’t seeing people. It was just impossible to do it at that particular time.

“A Community Link worker came to the house and suggested that we come here. So she made a referral to Christine [WACT Extra Time Hub Activator], and within a week, we came here.

“From the minute we came in, you could sense there was a lovely atmosphere. We were greeted by Christine, smiling. We were introduced to different people, and we’ve been treated as we hadn’t been for quite some time, to be honest.

“And my husband has found that he can move around and do things, there’s space here for him to do things and he’s really enjoyed doing the activities.

“As far as my husband and I are concerned, it’s been a lifesaver.

“It’s the highlight of the week for us. We’ve been making new friends with people as well.

“Everybody’s so friendly. They can’t do enough to help us.”

Her thoughts were echoed by her husband David, who added:

“I’m used to doing things myself, and I can’t do them now, so I get a bit frustrated, but I try and let it go and carry on doing what I can, and I’m enjoying myself, really.

“All the staff, they’re helpful, they’ll explain everything,

“I enjoy myself, and I look forward to coming every Tuesday, and I feel better for it.”

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.”

Uwais one of many unsung volunteering heroes at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust

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Blackburn Rovers Community Trust has a strong team of volunteers who support the charity to deliver and provide invaluable support to their local community 365 days per year.

Volunteers provide valuable support to numerous projects and initiatives, from engaging with young people on the Trust’s Neighbourhood Youth Offer to being a person to talk to at the health and well-being sessions.

One important volunteer role that that is not often visible is the Trust’s board of Trustees. The board of Trustees play an important role in helping deliver Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s strategy within the local area and beyond.  Blackburn Rovers Community Trust have a dedicated and hardworking board of Trustees, including Uwais Patel, a qualified Chartered Accountant who has worked in audit and advisory, before joining an insurance broker where he currently holds the post of Group Chief Operating Officer.

Uwais helps BRCT with Community Inclusion and he assists the board of Trustees with key decisions that impact the present and future of the charity.

Speaking during Volunteers Week 2023, Uwais said: “I have lived in Blackburn all my life and I was brought up as a Rovers fan. It meant that I always wanted to give back to the community and help overcome barriers that I faced.

“Having seen the work, the Community Trust had done previously and my passion for the football club, I really wanted to get involved and give back to the community.

“I am lucky enough now to work for a company that also sponsors the football club and we have supported many initiatives such as the Ewood Express that helps thousands of people in the borough.

“I am incredibly proud to represent the Community Trust. It is great that I can listen to the public and know we have the both the facilities and fantastic team in place running the day-to-day operations to make a positive difference.”

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.

“Community focus was a key part of my life when I was growing up,” explained Uwais, when asked why he wanted to volunteer to be a Trustee.  It is also one of the key virtues of my religion, Islam. Giving back to the community gives us a sense of gratitude and by being privileged enough to be in this position as a Trustee and to see the impact the Community Trust is making on so many people’s lives helps me accomplish my personal goals too.

“I am a lifelong Blackburn Rovers supporter and to have the chance to give back to my town, I have never seen it as a volunteering role but almost a hobby that I enjoy doing. The Community Trust has made a huge difference on my life by allowing me to make a difference. However, more importantly, it is making a difference on thousands of individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

“Without the great staff we have in place, none of this would be even possible. You can see on a matchdays the difference it makes but the Community Trust is active 365 days per year supporting people.”