Stoke City Football Club Community Programme

Programme staff have built up excellent relationships with schools, agencies such as Connexions Staffordshire and local community groups. By introducing young people to physical activities, they strive for better physical condition, which can lead to improved states of mind. Staff are not just delivering football sessions; the coaching team are also qualified to deliver a whole range of sports, including rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics. Programme aims include offering sport to young people so they can experience different activities and have the opportunity to develop new skills.

Tackling Social Inclusion

Building on four years of experience delivering projects such as Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP), which is funded by the Government Office for the West Midlands; a crime prevention initiative, aimed at keeping 'at risk' young people meaningfully occupied; the Community Programme Team is proud of their role in developing this unique and important 'flagship' programme, aimed at supporting young people who have missed out on vital opportunities which can shape the future of their lives. Stoke Challenge has become an integral project to the Club, which staff, players and partner organisations are delighted to support.

As Chief Executive, Tony Scholes points out, 'the Club is proud to be delivering such an innovative and exciting component of the Stoke Challenge. Linked to our excellent facilities, our Community Programme Team is combining their considerable expertise and knowledge with the experience and skills of Connexions staff to create a unique and exciting programme for local young people who most value our support. Stoke City Football Club is committed to supporting our local communities and look forward to taking this programme to new and challenging heights!'

6. About the Stoke City Football Club Community Programme

Background

During the course of 2006, Stoke City Football Club Community Programme delivered sport specific coaching to over 75,000 young people in and around Staffordshire.

With around 350 schools in its catchment area, Community Programme staff are kept very busy helping many young people strive for an improved lifestyle with the help of sport.