VISIT TO SHEFFIELD UNITED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Sheffield United Community Foundation received a visit from Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday, 7 February 2019.

The visit offered the Commissioner the opportunity to hear about the work the Community Foundation do in Sheffield engaging with young people in a number of ways.

A presentation was provided by members of the Community Foundation team, including an overview of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme from Levi Ashton. He explained how young people in Sheffield can access the NCS programme from the ages of 15-17 years and get involved in a three week programme that includes an outdoor residential visit, the opportunity to learn life skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication and finally to get involved in a project that could make a difference to the community.

The Commissioner also heard from Joe Williamson, who explained how Sheffield United Community Foundation host a number of educational courses for young people, ranging from level one to a Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development.

With further input from Katie Glossop, Dr Billings heard about how children as young as 5-years can participate in sports in schools across the City. The Primary Stars Programme provides teaching materials in English and Maths and is available to every primary school.

Dr Billings said: “I congratulate Sheffield United Community Foundation on the range and variety of work they do with so many young people in so many different parts of the city.

“I whole heartedly commend what they do, especially among some of our more deprived communities. I noted particularly the way they ensure that young people who take part in the Premier League Kicks projects have received a hot meal before some of the sessions.

“The Foundation enables many young people to take forward their interest in sport and there are also opportunities for some, who might not be able to access college or university courses, to continue with their education.

“I would like to thank all the team that I met on my visit, and everyone working hard to help young people in Sheffield.”

A grant cheque for £4,684 was presented to Chris Bailey, Head of Foundation and Keith Ward, Health, Well-being and Cohesion Manager to celebrate the Commissioner’s Community Grant Scheme funding the Premier League Kicks sessions at Fir Vale School.
Keith Ward said: “We would like to thank Dr Billings for the financial support toward the delivery of the Premier League Kicks Project in the Fir Vale community.

“The funding enables us to provide an opportunity for young people to participate in a safe, structured session that creates further opportunities for participation and volunteering.”

If you would like to find out more about the inclusion work that Sheffield United Community Foundation provide for young people, women and those affected by cancer, you can find on their website here – http://www.sufc-community.com/