EFL Trust celebrates 10 year anniversary

2018 sees the EFL’s official charity, EFL Trust celebrate ten years of positively impacting people’s lives through the power of football.

The special anniversary was officially celebrated on Monday 12th February, with a multitude of special guests across football in attendance at EFL House in Preston.

Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen hosted the afternoon, and she was joined by former Manchester United Assistant Manager Mike Phelan, EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey and many others, including a number of EFL Trust staff, key partners and participants who went on to share their stories showcasing the successful work of EFL Clubs in their communities.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618ax)
Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen at 10th Anniversary of the EFL Trust
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

“To hear some of the stories today of the participants that have benefitted from the EFL Trust programmes has been amazing,” McQueen said.

“Working in football all these years allows you to see the massive impact Clubs can have on communities and individuals. Football clubs are at the heart of the community and that’s why days like today, celebrating the EFL Trust, are hugely important – so you can see the work that goes on behind the scenes to change lives.

“Players on the pitch often create the headlines but there are so many more success stories going on that are helping the greater good.”

Based in the heart of communities up and down the country, EFL Clubs are at the forefront of helping to tackle some of the biggest issues in society from reducing crime, improving health and inspiring education, and they continue to deliver programmes that benefit the lives of hundreds of people, using the magnetism of the Club badge to make a difference.

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618ds)
Carol Bates from Crawley COGS and Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen at 10th Anniversary of the EFL Trust
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618o)
Corbin Davies aged 9 and dad Darren at 10th Anniversary of the EFL Trust
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

During the event, four participants shared their inspirational stories about how the EFL Trust network has significantly changed their lives. Their inspirational stories show the massive breath of the Trust’s work – Marek Hyde, a young man getting off drugs and into employment; Carol Bates, a lady that started a movement for older women to play football; Cheyenne Van Den Berg, a teenager who gained the belief to take on a world of opportunities and Darren Davies, father of Corbin Davies, a young boy who found the confidence not to be defined by his disability.

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618dx)
Marek Hyde and Cheyenne Van Den Berg at 10th Anniversary of the EFL Trust
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

One of the standout stories of the day was Marek Hyde of Derby County’s Active Choices Programme.

Marek endured a turbulent past through substance addiction and after making steps to change his life, got involved with Derby County’s Active Choices Programme – a healthy lifestyle and behavioural change programme.

Marek joined the programme in 2016 and has since turned his life around. With the help and support of the Club, he found full-time employment and completed a Sports Leadership qualification in partnership with the Street Football Association. He also received an England call-up to the Street Football World Cup in Oslo.

Hyde said: “I was in prison when I realised something needed to change, and in a way I was relieved to be there because my life outside of prison was so bad.

“When it had sunk in I sat there and thought ‘do I want this?’ I knew I had an opportunity to make a change. I got in touch with Derby County Community Trust through my rehab programme and once I was involved with them they helped me fill my days with football, activities and positive things. It gave me something to look forward to and really helped sustain my recovery.”

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618aj)
Mike Evans Director of Operations of the EFL Trust at 10th Anniversary of the EFL Trust
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

The EFL Trust was established in 2008 to support EFL Clubs and the growing amount of community work that was being carried out. Since its inception, the EFL Trust has secured and distributed a significant amount of funding to help deliver a range of national projects within the 72 EFL Clubs and EFL Trust Director of Operations Mike Evans says the future for EFL Club Community Trusts is exciting:

“As we enter our tenth year, we will shortly be making a distribution that takes us over the one million pound mark, which is a phenomenal amount of money to support the great community work that our Clubs are delivering,” he said.  

“We’re excited about the future and with good reason,” he continued.

“Our biggest thank you goes to the Club Trusts themselves, as without them we don’t exist. We now have over 2,400 staff working on community programmes across the country and I never cease to be amazed by the people we have delivering our programmes and wearing their club badge with pride.”

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618cb)
Free style footballer John Farnworth at the 10th Anniversary of the EFL Trust
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9374618e)
The EFL Trust 10th anniversary birthday cake
EFL Trust 10th Anniversary, EFL House, Preston, UK, 12 February 2018

 

Home office based scheme to benefit hundreds of Wigan youngsters

Young people in Wigan are set to learn about the dangers of knife crime as part of a Home Office backed initiative from Wigan Athletic Community Trust.

Delivered in partnership with Wigan Council, the Trust have received funding of £2,440 to deliver workshops to over 300 youngsters aged 12-19 years old across the borough to raise awareness of the subject and to help prevent knife crime.

Rachel Scott, Inclusion Officer at Wigan Athletic Community Trust, said: “The project encourages young people to consider the impact and challenges that knife crime can have on their local communities and the wider society, including how to deal with conflict and staying safe.

She added: “We’ll be engaging with a number of young people through open discussions and workshops so they have a better understanding of the consequences associated with carrying a knife and its impact on them and their families.”

The Knife Crime Community Fund, launched by the Home Office, supports projects that reduce knife crime and have a positive impact on young people at risk of carrying a knife and committing a crime.

Victoria Atkins, Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, said: “I’m pleased that we were able to announce this funding for Wigan Athletic Community Trust, which will help them to continue to support young people in Wigan to make the right choices about knives.

She added: “The Knife Crime Community Fund is another important step towards stamping out this scourge and keeping our communities safe.”

Latics club captain Dan Burn, said: “The workshops will benefit so many young people in Wigan and credit must go to the Community Trust once again for the launch of such a fantastic initiative.”

For more information about the Knife Crime workshops, please call 01942 318090 or email Inclusion Officer Rachel Scott on r.scott@wiganathletic.com.

 

World Cancer Day 2018: Unite in the fight against cancer

On 4th February, the EFL Trust supports World Cancer Day as our clubs continue to do fantastic work supporting people whose lives are affected by cancer using the power of football.

#WorldCancerDay is a global event that unites the World’s population in the fight against cancer.

As more people live longer with cancer and more of us experience it, most people will know someone with cancer – whether they’re a colleague, family member or friend.

Research shows that physical activity can be an important part of recovery after cancer treatment and may reduce the risk of certain cancers coming back.

To help provide a social environment to share stories, build strength and increase their confidence and self-esteem during a difficult period of their lives, our EFL Club Community Trusts run various programmes and projects including Notts County FC Football in the Community’s CARE programme.

The programme is run in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and is designed for patients at any stage of their treatment or recovery with sessions involving fun, graduated strengthening exercises and a chance to meet and socialise with others who have been through similar experiences.

Participant Gill Allan had this to say about her experience on the programme:

“The class is so friendly and the coaches are brilliant. The laughter and camaraderie is the best medicine and so inspiring.

‘’No one judges you, everyone is supportive we are after all in the same boat (albeit slightly different canoes). I am in better physical shape since participating, my range of movement has improved, along with stamina and [the programme] has proved I can push myself.

‘’CARE has increased my confidence, I had struggled alone for so many years my mobility decreasing, in pain and stiffness dominated my days. I am now happier and smiling even more than usual.”

Norwich City are another club who run a programme in their local community focused on supporting those with cancer, called the Kick Cancer programme.

The 10 week activity based project in partnership with the Big C and Riverside Leisure Centre, involves activities such as yoga, gym, swimming and walking sports as well as a social hour with group discussions, guest appearances and excursions.

Elsewhere, Derby County Community Trust have recently launched a cancer recovery programme that runs in partnership with Derby Royal Hospital called ‘Active Recovery’.

Following the launch of the programme, Jack Bell from the Derby County Community Trust said: ‘’The launch event has been a huge success. It’s great that we can make a positive influence on so many people’s lives.

‘’To have so many people here today [at the launch] demonstrates the need and gives an insight into the impact we can have on individuals.’’

EFL GIRLS CUP: Road to Wembley

The local stages and area finals of the EFL Girls Cup are now complete as eight U-13 girls teams now remain in the competition.

Over 6,000 players have taken part in the six-a-side tournament this year, all hoping to experience the culminating grand final prior to the Checkatrade Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium on 8th April 2018.

Eight clubs, from Bristol Rovers to Barnsley, hosted action as players battled it out for cherished spots in the north and south regional finals – just one step from Wembley.

Teams through to the North Regional Finals to be played in Bolton on Wednesday 28th February 2018:

Bolton Wanderers

Derby County

Shrewsbury Town

Hull City

Teams through to the South Regional Finals to be played in Reading on Friday 2nd March 2018:

Reading

Crawley Town

Colchester United

Bristol City

Shrewsbury Town Thomas Telford School celebrate winning the Girls Cup Final

Girls Cup Final:

Winner of North Regional Final        V        Winner of South Regional Final

Wembley Stadium, 8th April 2018

(Before the Checkatrade Trophy Final)

 

Take a look back at last years’ behind the scenes video of the Grand Final:

 

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

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 j.pym@wiganathletic.com.

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://eflinthecommunity.com/projects/every-player-counts/

Success for Norwich City Community Sports Foundation youngster

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 laurence.york@canaries.co.uk.

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

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 ksobczak@Brentfordfccst.com

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

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 aaron.croft@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 5515318.

USW graduate sets his sight on America

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/