The power of youth voice in Yorkshire

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“Listening to their [young people] journey makes me once again realise the power of volunteering and how it can positively impact a community.”

How 18-year-old Shamza Butt views her time volunteering in the Bradford where she, and so many young people in her area, are making a huge difference in their community.

With today (Tuesday 6th June) being Power of Youth Day and the end of Volunteers Week 2023, we want to highlight the great work taking place in Bradford as part of the Peer Action Collective programme.

Bradford City AFC Community Foundation and the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme have been integral in Yorkshire supporting and guiding hundreds of young people to produce research and create social action on youth violence in the city.

As part of the Peer Action Collective project, where the EFL Trust partnered with the Youth Endowment Fund, #iwill Fund and Co-op to deliver a regional programme, Bradford’s team conducted one-to-one interviews and group sessions to understand young people’s views on knife crime in Bradford, and what can be done to make young people feel safer and reduce the number of young people carrying knives.

The young people have worked with Bradford Police and PCSOs to deliver knife-crime awareness workshops in schools, joined Street Angels in providing lifesaving first aid training, and some of the Peer Action Collective are now Independent Police Advisory Group members too.

United by the EFL Trust, Bradford City AFC Community Foundation, alongside the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, delivered weekly workshops for boys and young men 15-18 who could benefit from extra support and encouragement at HMP Young Offender Institution Wetherby.

Earlier this year, the Foundation joined young people at the Houses of Parliament, where they shared the story of the project with MPs.

In May 2023, Shamza – an integral voice and driver of the project – was chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions.

“Achieving this honourable award in less than six years being in the UK fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and I look forward to continuing with all the volunteering work and doing more for my community as I spend more time getting to know my city,” she said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be invited to Buckingham Palace for the garden party.

“I had the chance to speak to so many people who are doing great things in their communities, key workers, teachers, mentors and many volunteers.

 

Peter Walker, Project Manager at the EFL Trust added:

“We all roughly know some of the reasons why young people get involved in youth crime and violence, and the impact it has on them and the community. But to see and hear the views, opinions and stories of hundreds of young people about the issues they face is something else.

“It’s great to see that there are young people that want to project this youth voice to help make a change, raise awareness, become positive roles models, and embed themselves into local decision making. Bradford City AFC Community Foundation have been incredible in making this project a success.”

Stockport County Community Trust ensuring their whole community is looked after with Social Wellbeing Group.

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Stockport County Community Trust  carry out incredible work within their community, with one such impactful example taking place at Edgeley Park every Wednesday morning, away from the hustle and bustle of matchday.

County’s Social Wellbeing Group takes place at the Stadium, providing that well-known venue to the dozens of locals who attend every week in a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment to help reduce social isolation and to improve wellbeing.

Alison Warwood, CEO of the Trust, said: “Our group is more than a tea and a coffee for people who come along. They go away with tremendous outcomes and benefits which makes a positive difference to their lives.

“The Club and the Trust set up the group to help people who are vulnerable and/or who may be socially isolated and or lonely. They come along, share their issues, but also enjoy themselves, building new friendships whilst taking part in the many activities we have.”

Members can take part in therapeutic interventions by enjoying stress-relieving activities such as gentle yoga, relaxation and body movement and art therapy delivered by trained qualified professional therapists, helping to make long-term lifestyle changes which may lead to improving the quality of their lives.

The Group also acts as a signposting hub where the volunteers or the Trust may be able to advise on different services, organisations or guidance on how they could make lives easier at home, like promoting the benefits of smart meters, via the partnership between the EFL, the EFL Trust and Smart Energy GB.  Members often play bingo, quiz, or take a ground tour, gently walking around the pitch too to get exercising.

Ken Knott, Chairman of Stockport County FC, said: “Whilst the excitement of what happens on the football field is very important, if you truly aspire to take the Football Club back to the community, you’ve got to do a great deal, more than putting on a decent football team.

“We need to reach out to the community including those facing disadvantage and those with mental health challenges to ensure that the Club is re-embedded within its wider community.”

Barnsley FC Helping Hashim Show How Disability is not a barrier to Success

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Hashim is furthering his education and improving his employment prospects through his Football Club. Hashim also has a goal to help others enjoy the benefits of sport. Hashim is studying for a Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development with Barnsley FC’s charity, Reds in the Community.

Hashim has been deaf all his life having contracted an ear infection at just a few months old. But, for him it is not something that negatively impacts his life, a mindset he wants to pass onto others.

Operating through the University of South Wales (USW), the two-year degree course is run in partnership with the EFL Trust in order to develop the required skills and experiences to operate as a professional coach or work in community sport. The degree offers work-based learning with Reds in the Community and allows learners to tailor their interests and gain practical, hands on experience.

Through this, those students studying at Barnsley can continue get hands on experience of the whole range of the Clubs charity’s work. This method of learning really appealed to Hashim especially as he would get to be involved in Reds in the Community’s excellent disability sports programme.

Having started the USW course during the COVID-19 pandemic. This presented more challenges for Hashim with so much work taking on-line. However, he always stayed positive and did everything he could to remove any barriers and be the best he can be.

He explained: “Learning online was difficult for me. As a Deaf person, I prefer to work face to face. I had to work doubly hard compared to my hearing peers. USW and Reds in the Community have been so supportive at every step. The lecturers check in to see if I need anything and to let me know what support is available to me. I just try to get on as normally as I can – if there is a barrier, I put the effort in and try to break it down.”

Hashim is also a talented footballer and also aspires to succeed in his playing career. He currently representing Farsley Celtic Deaf FC, who have just won the English Deaf Football Challenge Cup, and the England Deaf Team. However, it is clear above all Hashim wants to provide the support, guidance, and inspiration to younger hearing-impaired individuals to ensure they can succeed, without their hearing impairment becoming a barrier.

He explained: “I think about younger Deaf people coming through and I would advise them to work hard, try and be the best they can be, always thinking that next step. If there’s any barriers, find the support available. I’m happy to help anyone who wants to get in touch.”

 

 

Carlisle United Community Sports Trust’s Traineeships gave Aidan the opportunity to “love being in work.”

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Carlisle United are at the forefront of helping young people find meaningful employment. The Club’s charity, the CUFC Community Sport Trust, runs a very successful 12 weeks Traineeship programme which equips young people with the crucial skills and experience to able to get on the first rung of the employment ladder.

There are countless reasons why some young people don’t do well at school and leave the education system with little or no qualifications. This can often be accompanied by low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. This, in turn, makes it difficult for them to find any kind of employment or even get the work experience needed to get a job, which can cause their self-esteem to drop even lower. A traineeships breaks this vicious circle. Run at many Football Clubs across the country Traineeships are key stepping stone that help people who are not currently in education, employment or training find work.

The 12-week course are designed to develop key employability skill and also provide valuable work experience. Based at a Football Club, the trainee will be supported by a mentor and who will address their specific needs so that at the end of the 12-weeks they are ready find work and thrive in the workplace.

That was very much the story for Aidan Brown, a trainee on Carlisle United latest cohort of the programme. On completion of the 12-week course Aidan has successfully gained employment, and simply said “I now love being in the world of work.”

Aidan fully embraced the opportunities the traineeship had to offer and worked hard to develop the skills needed for the work place. As part of the work placement, the Trust secured a 12-week customer service role at VR Gateway. Aidan excelled in this role, taking part in various roadshows across the city and wider communities.

Aidan’s polite, calming nature shone through, and the organisation received some great feedback on Aidan’s professionalism and impeccable manners.

Ian Irving, director of the VR Gateway said, “Aidan’s work ethic, overall positive attitude, and professionalism has been a credit to the team. He has conducted himself well, and performed admirably in some challenging and new situations.”

Aidan also volunteered with the community coaches at CUFC CST working alongside coaches in various primary schools, again his work ethic was outstanding. On completing the traineeship Aidan gained employment at Carlisle Youth Zone as a youth worker.

Aidan explained, “The traineeship programme helped me to establish what career path I wanted to pursue, the work placement elements helped me to secure my decision and guide me in the right direction. Teresa helped me with my application/planning an activity session as part of the interview process for the youth worker position at the youth zone.”

Teresa Mulholland-Traineeship Co-Ordinator. Commented, “We are immensely proud of Aidan, his work ethic and commitment to the programme has been outstanding. Aidan will be a great asset to Carlisle Youth Zone and this just shows what can happen if you give a young person like Aidan an opportunity.”

Sky Blues in the Community’s Dementia Active tackling the difficulties those with dementia face.

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Football Clubs are helping to tackle is Dementia. In England, it is estimated that 675,000 people have dementia. The majority, although not all, of these individuals are over 65 and have other underlying health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on everyone but for those with dementia it was really bad feel like really bad could be something different to really emphasise it.. Social isolation meant a significant impact to daily life and a disruption of normal routines and care for over two years. Research has shown that extended isolation is linked to worsening cognitive ability, as well as an increase in mental health issues including loneliness and depression. Even when people were able to slowly return to their pre-pandemic routine, for older adults with dementia, a return to the ‘old normal’ has been harder to manage due to a decline in cognitive health.

Recognising that those with dementia were disproportionately negatively impacted by the pandemic, Sky Blues in the Community worked with Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust to identify the local need. Consequently, Sky Blues in the Community (SBitC) received funding from the Warwickshire Social Impact Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver ‘Dementia Active’.

Dementia Active is delivered by SBitC in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust. Therefore, the programme offers support from SBitC’s Senior Coaches as well as staff from CWPT’s specialist secondary care Dementia service. The aim of Dementia Active is to tackle social isolation and increase physical activity, which in turn promotes self-care, increases support networks, increases cognitive stimulation, and supports mobility.

Another key focus is ensuring participants benefit by socialising. The programme encourages conversations, create welcoming, positive, relaxed environments for participants from across the social spectrum and age ranges to come together and make friends. Moreover, Dementia Active supports carers to benefit from respite, socialise with other carers and develop a support network. At a Dementia Active session, there is a menu of weekly activities. These are multi sports, physical activities which help participants relax, have fun, socialise and include warm-ups, “feel-good” exercises, drills, skills, games followed by football, cricket, badminton, basketball, table tennis, bowls, indoor archery, cool downs etc. They are tailored to ability and mobility to ensure everyone can participate.

The parents of one participant commented “My son is 20 and has Dementia as a result from a neurological condition. We found that there were no services in the community for him, so it was just so lovely to hear about this Dementia active group where he could come along and engage in the bits that he liked. We came along today and it’s amazing, it’s really good. He’s played badminton, he’s been bowling, throwing bean bags, he loves the archery! Sky Blues in the Community are so supportive and they engage with him 1-2-1.”

 

Smart Energy GB Extend Partnership With EFL Trust and EFL

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The EFL and Smart Energy GB have agreed a two-year partnership extension which will see football supporters across England and Wales continue to receive help in understanding their energy spending.

Smart Energy GB teamed up with the EFL and EFL Trust in 2021 and has since held a series of engaging community focused activities showcasing the benefits smart meters can have for households.

 

With 72 EFL Clubs and their Club Community Organisations (CCOs) located in towns and cities across the country, the partnership provides a national platform with local reach to show fans how a smart meter and in-home display could help them better manage energy bills and household finances.

Smart meters are crucial to upgrading Britain’s energy system and by having them installed at home, football supporters will also play a key role in helping the transition to more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar. 

Ben Wright, the EFL’s Chief Commercial Officer, said:

“EFL Clubs and CCOs support their communities seven days a week, 365 days of the year and with Smart Energy GB focused on helping to tackle fuel poverty and making energy savings all year round, this will help, especially those who have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are pleased to announce this extension so we can continue to help support the communities our Clubs serve.” 

Phillippa Brown, Deputy Director of Special Audiences at Smart Energy GB, said:

“Working in partnership with EFL Clubs and their Club Community Organisations has been incredibly rewarding. The partnership has allowed Smart Energy GB to reach households through their love of football to understand how smart meters could help them better manage their energy bills. This has been vital for many people looking for ways to stay on top of their finances, so we’re excited to continue this work and build on what we’ve achieved across England and Wales already.”

Cathy Abraham, the EFL Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, added:

“We know a lot of people are finding it harder to manage their household bills. Our EFL Club Community Organisations engage with over 840,000 people every year across England and Wales, so are perfectly placed to support those people who may be struggling.

“This partnership with Smart Energy GB will further help people to make informed decisions about the use of their energy.”

Click here to find out more about Smart Energy GB and how a smart meter could benefit you.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 – Q&A with Headstart Mental Health Transformation Officer

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Earlier this week, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we announced the expansion of our Headstart programme across the North West of England.

Headstart, which has supported almost a thousand pupils since it began with the milestone transition from primary to secondary school will be delivered by a further seven EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs)

The 11 CCOs will work in schools, providing one to one or group support, in either a classroom environment or delivering sessions, like yoga and mindfulness, through dedicated Mental Health Transformation Officers.

Meet Rachel Walker, one of the first Mental Health Transformation Officers in post, making a big difference already in her area. We caught up with the Fleetwood Town Community Trust team member…

How did you hear about this new role?

I saw this role advertised online whilst I was completing my Masters degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing. As I was already working with this age group at a local youth club, I felt it was the perfect role for me to apply for to support with their transition to secondary school.

  What type of sessions do you deliver in schools?

There are a variety of sessions included to ensure the children are learning different methods to support their wellbeing. So far, I have delivered sessions such as mindfulness, creativity, physical activity (yoga) and player visits. I also then deliver one-to-one sessions with specific children which aims to offer a safe space with interventions involving anxiety, anger and coping strategies.

 Why are they important for young people?

These sessions are important for young people because it allows them to see that mental health is normal. The majority of the children are Fleetwood Town FC fans so for me to be wearing the Club’s badge, discussing mental health and ways to enhance wellbeing is really important for them.

How are the young people and schools responding to your sessions?

The young people and the schools are responding really well to the sessions. The children are always excited to have me back as we learn about different mental health topics and coping strategies. The schools have received some great feedback about the benefit of these sessions, especially in how I will follow these Year 6 children to Year 7. In turn, this offers a familiar face from their primary school, who they know can continue this support whilst they settle in and transition to secondary school. The young people and the schools are reporting back that the children are acknowledging ways to cope with their feelings and often say ‘we have done this with Rachel’.

Headstart makes expansive headway in North West

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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

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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.

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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