Refugee Week 2018: Barnsley FC’s Reds in the Community host One World Cup

Barnsley FC’s Reds in the Community hosted a One World Cup tournament on Monday (18th June) to celebrate Refugee Week 2018.

The competition, which was organised by RITC alongside British Red Cross and the Refugee Council, brought together 11 teams at Oakwell.

There was a mix of local teams from the Barnsley area alongside refugee and asylum seeker sides in what was a great occasion for bringing different cultures and nationalities together through the power of sport.

After playing a league table-style contest, the top four teams progressed to the semi-finals.

Doncaster United came out on top to seal glory in the final, beating DCC United 2-0.

Muse Jama, who now lives in the UK after originally coming from East Africa, explained how important events like the One World Cup are for integrating refugees into the English culture.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve met a lot of people from different cultures and different countries in the world, it’s been really nice. It’s amazing, I’m really proud to be here and I’ve had a good time. I’ve been in this country for five months. My wife and my kids are here as well. It’s a different country with different people but I’ve met some good friends. The people are really friendly.”

Sarah Sonne of the Refugee Council was delighted with the success of the event and thanks Reds in the Community for it’s backing.

She said: “We’ve got lots of different teams from refugee backgrounds but we’ve also got a job centre team and teams from colleges. It’s been really nice to show that Barnsley is refugee friendly and to start the week’s celebrations. It celebrates diversity. We’re really grateful for Reds in the Community for us in this event. It’s so nice to see so many people involved and people that we’ve not seen before who we can tell them a bit about refugees in Barnsley and what they can bring to the community.”

Autistic Pride Day 2018: QPR’s football sessions key to Keishin’s development

QPR in the Community Trust’s Early Years Programme has made a significant impact to the life of five-year-old Keishin.

Keishin, who was diagnosed with Social Communication Disorder (part of the autistic spectrum), started attending sessions at the age of three, whilst at 4 Street Nursery in September 2016.

Elaine Caffrey, manager of 4 Street Nursery, has had a first-hand view on the impact that sessions have had on Keishin from day one.

She said: ”When Keishin first started at the nursery he spent the first four months laying on the floor pushing a train backwards and forwards, not engaging or making just fleeting eye contact with a child or adult.

”When I met with his family a couple of weeks later after a few sessions on the Early Years Programme with QPR, they could not speak highly enough of the role football was having on their son’s development.

”Keishin has moved on fantastically since he first started with us. When his mum asks him about how his day at the nursery went she gets little to no information, but if she asks about football he will recount every part of the session to them in great detail.

”He will even instigate a coaching session at home instructing his little brother and parents in elephant kicks and mouse kicks!”

The Early Years Programme engaged with over 400 toddlers last year, delivering sessions to youngsters focusing on key core skills called the A,B,C’s (Agility, Balance and Coordination) as well as introducing basic football skills and hand eye coordination games.

This year, QPR in the Community Trust have been delivering the programme at 9 schools and nurseries across the West London and surrounding boroughs.

Michael Spencer, Early Years Programme Manager at QPR in the Community Trust, who has also delivered the majority of the programme over the last two years, said: “It is a great feeling to become a positive role model for the toddlers.

“They love the sessions, I have received many pictures and hand made gifts from the children, which is such a lovely thing. It lets you know the work you are doing is very much appreciated.

“The work we have done with Keishin in particular has brought so much fulfillment to us. I speak regularly to his parents, who are very happy with the progress he has made and continues to make.”

For more information regarding the Early Years Programme of weekly toddler football sessions, contact Michael Spencer at: Michael.Spencer@qpr.co.uk

Wigan clubs team up to tackle male obesity

Wigan’s great sporting institutions have teamed up to kick start the fight against excess weight and obesity.

Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors have come together as part of the Wigan Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles ‘Lose Weight, Feel Great FOR MEN’ campaign to support weight loss through a selection of free 12 week fitness and nutrition programmes.

Latics legend Emmerson Boyce and Warriors’ director Kris Radlinski trained alongside participants to launch the programme on Friday (15 June), which offered a taste of the sessions that will be hosted each week at the DW Stadium.

Radlinski said: “The Men’s Weight Management service has provided a fantastic opportunity for Wigan Warriors to work alongside Wigan Athletic Community Trust, Wigan Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles in what I’m sure will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of men in the borough.

“The offer is the first of its kind in terms of the two major sports clubs in the borough working alongside public sector partners to deliver a joint outcome, and hopefully this partnership can continue to develop into a broad offer that is of great benefit to the health and wellbeing of the community”.

Boyce added: “This unique partnership between Latics and the Warriors is huge for the town of Wigan. The link will inspire men to take part and lose weight and also motivate them to lead healthier lifestyles by working with their two favourite sports clubs.”

Overweight men who live or work in Wigan can fight the fat through a selection of offerings, focusing on football, rugby, tracking technology, group fitness and nutrition.

The programmes are being offered by Wigan Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles in partnership with Wigan Warriors Community Foundation and Wigan Athletic Community Trust, with options also coming from Leigh Centurions, Slimming World and MAN v FAT.

Wigan Council’s Director of Public Health, Professor Kate Ardern said: “Lose Weight, Feel Great FOR MEN is a unique weight management service, delivered by key local partners, which offers choice and support for local men to lose weight in a way that suits them and ultimately improve their health.

“The service is part of the wider ‘Lose Weight, Feel Great’ pathway which offers a range of support options for local people to take charge of their health.”

For more information text ‘FIT’ and your name to 87800, call 01942 496 496 or visit wigan.gov.uk/LWFG.

Coaching Week 2018: Chris McGrail brings a wealth of experience to Blackburn Rovers Community Trust

“I have found working within the community and coaching extremely rewarding and for me it was the only way forward after retiring from playing football.”

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s head of NCS and BTEC recruitment Chris McGrail has been involved in football since the age of 12.

McGrail, now aged 29, played professionally for neighbours Preston North End, before having to retire due to an injury.

He explained: “I went all the way through to the first team at Preston which also included a loan spell at Accrington Stanley. I was lucky enough to sign a professional contract in 2007 at Preston and earned a place on the substitutes bench the same year.

“Unfortunately, I suffered a serious injury and I had to retire but I carried on working in football and started working for Preston North End Community Trust as a coach.

“I loved my new role and now I am head of BTEC recruitment and NCS at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust. Personally, for me, it has been the perfect way to move forward in my career.”

The summer months will be busy for McGrail, alongside planning for the NCS summer programme, which starts next month, he is also getting ready for the new academic BTEC academic year, which starts in September.

For the first time, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust will have three BTEC teams for the new season, which will face off against their equivalents from other EFL clubs in the region.

The teams will be split, with two male and one female team and McGrail will be overseeing the entire coaching operation.

“I have FA coaching badges and, in the future, I hope to gain my UEFA B Licence. The students are all very passionate about playing football and they are a pleasure to coach.

“I am fortunate enough to be able to share my footballing experiences with the students. I want to pass on my knowledge to all the students on the BTEC in Sport programme at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

“They want to play football and they need stability and professionalism to move forward, and that is what we can provide.

“We have students leaving the BTEC course with coaching qualifications and it is a pleasure to see that some of them have opted to start coaching and sharing their own knowledge and experiences.”

For further information about the NCS and BTEC programmes at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, please email Chris.McGrail@brfctrust.co.uk.

Volunteers’ Week: Brentford fan tackes more than football

Kirsty Turner – an avid Brentford fan – has volunteered hundreds of hours for the club’s community trust.

As Volunteers’ Week gets underway, Kirsty Turner is just one of 28 volunteers who go that extra mile to support the Championship club’s community projects.

The former teacher and mum-of-two has been a Brentford season-ticket holder for ten years and has volunteered more than 200 volunteer hours for Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.

Her volunteering focuses largely on projects that support children with disabilities and young carers who are struggling to get respite.

“For me, seeing the joy on the faces of children who benefit from the sports sessions gives me a great sense of wellbeing – it feels like I am making a difference and that you’re doing something worthwhile,” said Kirsty.

“I think some people are put off being volunteers because of the commitment and how much time it will take. Yet it doesn’t matter if you do one hour or ten hours: you’re still making an impact to young people.”

And Kirsty certainly believes that Brentford FC is a place that could nurture Brentford fans volunteering talents.

She said: “We’re so much more than a football club: it’s a family, it’s a community.”

Brentford, who work mainly across the three London boroughs of Ealing, Richmond and Hounslow, engage with about 500 disabled participants, and overall the Sports Trust is involved with more than 11,000 children and adults each year.

The work they do is diverse and ranges from delivering athletics and kayaking sessions, helping students through an extensive network in local schools and delivering programmes on estates to linking in with people connected to youth offending services and those on the edge of social care.

The Trust also has a ‘learning zone’ connected to it and is branching out with specialist teams looking at obesity and weight loss with children and adults.

“Sport is a great way of unlocking hidden talents,” added Kirsty.

“Not everyone is academic, yet sport can help with young people’s confidence – helping them develop important life skills.”

Head Coach at Brentford FC, Dean Smith, certainly knows the benefits of Kirsty’s volunteering and the Community Trust’s work in local communities.

He said: “Our Community Sports Trust is a big part of what we are and who we are at Brentford FC. Our ties with the community are through the Trust and in my experience, it is one of the best that’s out there.”

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 more than 100 members of staff.

Visit http://www.brentfordfccst.com

Jade a shining example for Blackburn Rovers Community Trust on Volunteers Week

A number of volunteers dedicate their time to support Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, so the football club’s official charity can continue to make a positive impact in the community.

To recognise Volunteers’ Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of volunteering, the Trust wants to say thank you to all of those that have or still offer their services in different ways, from coaching to photography.

Jade Elliott, who is now a full-time member of staff at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust as NCS recruitment and graduation officer, started off as a volunteer in 2014 and has had numerous roles during her four years at Ewood Park.

She said: “I started off volunteering at the Trust on the NCS programme which seems a very long time ago. I moved on to a be an NCS team leader and helped set up the graduation programme which is still growing to this day.

“I also volunteered by supporting the coaching team when they took sessions either at local primary schools or the half-term football camps at the Indoor Centre.”

Jade’s commitment and hard work for the Trust earned her a full-time role earlier this year as part of the NCS team, and she be one of the senior members of staff when this summer’s programme begins on Monday 16th July with a visit to Culmington Manor, Shropshire.

However, her busy year doesn’t end when the summer NCS programme finishes. In September, Jade will begin her UEFA B Licence to add to her further football qualification, which have all been supported by the Trust.

She continued: “I am really looking forward to it and it will be a huge challenge but a fantastic opportunity.

“I have completed both my FA Level One and Two when I was a student on the BTEC programme, which was all funded by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

“Next season, I am going to be coaching the first ever BTEC girls team, so the UEFA B will help aid that role and hopefully help the players too.”

To find out more about how to sign up for the NCS programme this summer at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust or if you would like details on the BTEC programme please email chris.mcgrail@brfctrust.co.uk.

EFL Kids Cup 2018 Round-Up

For 48 children, a dream became a reality at the weekend as representatives from Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, AFC Wimbleon, Oldham Athletic, Colchester United and Morecambe grasped their opportunity to play on the Wembley turf in the EFL Kids Cup Final.

Over 16,000 youngsters and 1,800 schools took part this year in six-a-side tournaments organised on behalf of the EFL and EFL Trust, with the 72 EFL clubs firstly split into three divisions, in line with the club’s divisional status, before being again split into two groups, north and south.

The six winners of the northern and southern finals in each respective division are then given the opportunity to be crowned Kids Cup champions at Wembley before their represented division’s Play-Off Final across the Bank Holiday Weekend.

So, who are the schools and the children that earned a once in a lifetime experience and who was crowned champions at the weekend?

Queens Park Rangers (John Keble Primary School)  

QPR and John Keble Primary school progressed to the Wembley showpiece after beating Aston Villa, who topped the standings at the end of the group stages, before a narrow 1-0 victory against Cardiff City in the regional Final.

Team: 5. Elluyani Passos ©, 1. Daniel Matuka (GK), 6. Jimmy Nguyen. 7. Christopher Eldemire, 8. Toure Downer, 9. D’Jahnni Smith, 10. Donte Ranger, 11. Reshaun Da Silva.

Sheffield Wednesday (Greenhill Primary School)

Underdogs going into their regional Final, Sheffield Wednesday and Greenhill Primary School defeated a Hull City side who had yet to concede a goal leading up to that stage. Once again, one goal was enough to seal their place in the Final.

Team: 9. Callum Milner ©, 13. Thomas Everest-Wilcock (GK), 2. Lucian Hagin, 4. James Wilson, 15. Toby Smith, 16. Daniel Birch, 17. Tommy Snell, 18. Jude Akram.

Winners in the Grand Final: Queens Park Rangers (John Keble Primary School)

A convincing 3-1 victory sealed it for The Hoops as they got off to a perfect start with Reshaun Da Silva firing home from close range.

QPR’s advantage was doubled at the break thanks to a fine solo goal from D’Jahnni Smith, who also doubled his tally after half time, coolly slotting beyond the goalkeeper to make it three.

Wednesday grabbed themselves a late consolation courtesy of a Callum Milner header, but i was all in vain as QPR – and John Keble Primary – celebrated victory at the final whistle.

“It’s a great achievement for the boys and I think they deserve everything they got today,” said John Keble Primary teacher Eddie Prempeh.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the National Stadium and it’s been the talk of the town for a while.

“These boys are talented and well-developed, and most importantly they weren’t shy about showing that on a big stage like Wembley.”

 

AFC Wimbledon  (Cleves School)

A former winner of the EFL Kids Cup, Cleves school returned to Wembley Stadium hoping to win the competition for a second time after defeating Southend 1-0 in the regional Final.

Interestingly, what makes it even more special for the school is that four of the boys playing this weekend had older siblings in the team that played, and won, at Wembley two years ago.

Team: 11. Edward Roberts ©, 1. Samuel Honour (GK), 3. Ben Vigrass, 6. Frank Vigrass, 7. Joshua Lewis, 8. Oliver Swetman, 10. Sami Holmes, 17. Charlie Davidson.

Oldham Athletic (South Failsworth Primary)

Another former winner of the competition after their success in 2013/14 against Crawley Town. Returning to similar surroundings. The team’s number 9, Amalee was only the second girl to appear in an EFL Kids Cup Final.

Team: 10. Evan Lloyd ©, 1. Zack Tobin (GK), 4. Ted Dockray, 5. Xander Taylor, 7. Stephen Maylett, 8. Kieran O’Hanlon, 9. Amalee Mason, 15. Jayden Brooks

Winners in the Grand Final: AFC Wimbledon (Cleves School)

AFC Wimbledon raced into an early lead when Joshual Lewis redirected a low drive, finding the net with the Oldham goalkeeper wrong-footed by the deflection.

The Latics pushed for an equaliser but found themselves two down when a devastating counter attack was finished off by Lewis, and Sami Holmes finished equally emphatically when making it three before the break.

Oldham never gave up, holding firm as the kids of Cleves School pushed for a fourth, but it was AFC Wimbledon’s day, clinching the Cup with a 3-0 win.

“We had a gameplan, which was executed perfectly, but most importantly they enjoyed their football and you can see that in how they played,” said Cleves School teacher Mr Smith.

“The competition format is fabulous and the EFL have been great from the word go, as have AFC Wimbledon who have supported us all the way. It’s an excellent competition and to finish it off at Wembley is amazing.”

Colchester United (St John Fisher School)

An impressive route towards the National Stadium for Colchester United, winning every single game, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two. A 1-0 victory against Cheltenham Town secured their place, with a free-kick in the final moments deciding the game.

Team: 9. Harry Amass ©, 1. Riley Doherty (GK), 6. Joshua Popoola, 7. Eden McNicholas, 10. Charlie Jiggins, 11. Harvey North, 12. Harry Falzon, 17. Evan Bastow.

Morecambe (St. Peter’s C of E Primary School)

Morecambe were certainly made to work for their place in the League Two showpiece after an exciting and topsy-turvy affair against Crewe Alexandra in the regional Final. Both sides had led at stages before a dramatic late winner secured St Peter’s C of E a place at Wembley.

Team: 8. Oliver Whatmuff ©, 1. Dominic Holden (GK), 3. Noah Jones, 4. Harley Illingworth, 6. Josh Robinson, 7. Adam Fairclough, 9. Scott James Freeman, 10. Alfie Buckley.

Winners in the Grand Final: Morecambe (St Peter’s C of E Primary School)

An evenly matched first period sprang into life on the stroke of half-time, when a brilliant piece of skill from Adam Fairclough left his marker bamboozled. He then provided the finish to match, firing home a fierce left-footed effort beyond the Colchester goalkeeper.

Colchester pushed for an equaliser in the second half but failed to make a breakthrough against a stubborn defence, and so it was the youngsters of St Peters who lifted the EFL Kids Cup up in the Royal Box at Wembley with a 1-0 win.

“They’ve trained so hard, and worked so hard in every single game since getting together as a new group in September, and they’ve done absolutely amazingly,” said teacher Natalie Knowles.

“It’s been massive both in the school and in the community, everyone has been talking about it. We’ve been striving towards this since September and we’ve not only got here, but been able to win.”

Cambridge United establish school mental health project ‘Mind Your Head’

Cambridge United Community Trust (CUCT) have established a new secondary school mental health project to improve well-being and help young people deal better with stress and anxiety.

The ‘Mind Your Head’ pilot has been running since January 2018 in five central Cambridge secondary schools and will have reached over 600 young people by the end of this summer term.

The project was announced to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week and is part of Cambridge United’s wider commitment to promoting positive mental health at the club and in the community.

‘Mind Your Head’ is delivered through CUCT in partnership with Cambridge youth mental health charity ‘Centre 33’. The programme provides lessons that destigmatize mental health, educate young people about how to deal with stress and also encourage young people to discuss how social media can both positively and negatively affect their well-being.

Josh Turner, one of the pupils taking part from Trumpington Community College said: “Footballers coming in to tell us about mental health is actually quite profound because they are people that young people look up to as their idols.

“The footballers telling us that they sometimes struggle with mental health is good to listen to and good for our own understanding.”

Sam Squire, a Cambridge United scholar who has been actively involved at schools said: “It’s important for Cambridge United to focus on mental health in schools as that’s when issues such as social media can challenge a young person’s confidence and resilience.

“As a football club we can hopefully use our respected position in society to help promote positive mental health.”

Graham Daniels, Director of Football at Cambridge United and Chair of Cambridge United Community Trust said: “We want Cambridge United to take a leadership position on mental health within the game and within our community.

“Everyone has mental health, we can have our ups and downs. We believe it’s particularly important to help equip young people with the skills to deal with the challenges they inevitably face as they grow up.

“It all forms a part of our wider effort as a club to show the positive power of football throughout our community.”

 

Deaf Awareness Week 2018 (14th-20th May)

Between the 14th-20th May, it is Deaf Awareness Week, a unique campaign in that so many different organisations participate, each able to promote their own work within the broad spectrum of deafness.

In the UK there are around 9 million people who are deaf and hard of hearing, yet each day we continually put one of our most important senses at risk. Loss of hearing can cause people to become isolated and lonely, having a tremendous affect on both their social and working life.

EFL Trust supports #DeafAwarenessWeek, as our clubs do fantastic work in this area using the power of football to break down barriers and increase sports participation for all.

Through Every Player Counts, our landmark project formed in September 2016 thanks to a 1.1M donation from Wembley National Stadium Trust (WNST), a number of clubs offer individual programmes covering a wide range of disabilities including hearing and visual impairment, learning difficulties, amputees and autism, giving many disabled people access to football for the first time.

Reading FC are a prime example, after forming a Deaf Football team in 2013 with the help of Total Communication, one of the leading British Sign Language (BSL) agencies.

After an initial 10 weeks of taster sessions, Reading FC Deaf were integrated into local 7 aside football festivals and began competing in the BOBi League – a pan-disability league that operates across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Since then, the team has attracted more players and has developed into an 11 a-side squad, playing in competitions such as the South English Deaf League, The FA Disability Cup, and The FA County Cup.

After a few successful years on the pitch, Reading FC Deaf have won 7 trophies and finished runners-up after making their debut in the FA People’s Cup finals this this year at St George’s Park.

Due to the success, the team have been able to develop a number of talented players who have gone on to represent England and Great Britain Deaf Football teams.

Daniel Rook, Reading FC Community Trust’s My Ability Programme Manager said: “It’s fantastic that we have had so much success in attracting the deaf community in Berkshire to be a part of the Reading FC Deaf team.

“The strength of this provision shows that disability football is a growing sport not only in Berkshire but across the whole country.”

Preston North End students take in the Portugal experience

Students of Preston North End headed overseas for an educational sports visit to Lisbon, taking on foreign opposition whilst enjoying the Portugal culture.

Playing in different stadiums and training in first class facilities, it gave students on the education programme a unique experience as representatives of Preston North End in foreign territory as Education Tutor and coach Zach Clarke explained.

“The team spent five days in Portugal taking part in various activities,” said Zach.

“They were able to enjoy the opportunity of taking on two local Portuguese sides in recognised stadiums venues, whilst taking part in adaptable training sessions, as well as sampling the culture and bonding as a team.

“A huge thanks to Easy Sports Solutions for looking after us whilst we were there and providing students the experience of a lifetime.”

The team stayed at Rio Maior Training Centre, a National Olympic Centre; here facilities were varied and of a highly professional standard. The team were allowed use of all facilities such as the gym and the ice baths for recovery – and were as impressive as you’d expect as Brendan Burke and Luke Harrison, students from PNE testified.

“It was all very professional” said Brendan. “From the facilities, right the way through to the coaches. On the pitch, we learned more about formations and tactics which was adapted to our training. It wasn’t just playing football however, we got to sample the culture whilst we were there and enjoyed visits to the Stadium of Light, home of FC Benfica, played beach football and enjoyed the local lagoon.

Luke added: “Even now, we keep discussing the great memories we had and it’s 100 percent made us more of a team. A massive way of developing as a footballer is by taking on different styles of football, and playing against a completely different kind of opposition, it was a huge learning curve for us all and such a unique experience.”

Meanwhile, other members of the education programme enjoyed a trip to Kepplewray Residential Park in Cumbria where they took part in a number of team bonding exercise with both trips looking at heightening the experience of the course whilst building on team spirit amongst the camp.

Both trips proved hugely successful with students finding both trips educational and fun.

Find out more about the Preston North End’s education provision to post 16-year-olds; call 01772 693309 or email Education@pne.com. The course hosts a level two and three diploma in sport and exercise and are actively recruiting for this September’s intake.

Register your interest now and you could be donning the PNE colours abroad next season!

Photography by student, Jack Carysforth.