This year Oxford United in the Community will engage youngsters aged 15 to 17, delivering a National Citizen Service (NCS) programme funded by the Government.
NCS is one of the fastest growing youth programmes engaging 500,000 youngsters since piloting in 2009. The NCS programme, delivered by United’s charity team will give young people a memorable experience and a clearer idea of what they want from their future.
They will take on fresh challenges, get a taste of independence and be given a platform to have their voices heard, delivering a social action project that will positively impact their local area.
The funding has created a new role at Oxford United in the Community for a Programme Delivery Manager and the charity are now actively recruiting for the position.
Through the EFL Trust, over 1.8 million hours of voluntary work has been delivered addressing local and national issues which young people are passionate about such as mental health, the environment and plastic waste.
In partnership with EFL Trust, Oxford United in the Community, won the contract to deliver NCS from 2020 onwards joining 65 delivery partners that will be managed by EFL Trust.
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community, is excited to be a part of the new NCS network of partners who will deliver its flagship programme for young people over the next five years.
He said: “We are proud to have been selected as a key deliver partner for this exciting five-year project in partnership with the NCS and EFL Trust.
“The project is aligned to our strategy and key objectives to engage with youngsters and inspire them to be the best they can be. We are looking to delivering a positive impact in Oxfordshire via this exciting new programme. This marks another big step in our strategy towards growing the services we offer as we move towards a much wider provision of youth-based offerings across Oxfordshire.”
Mike Evans, Director of Operations, EFL Trust, said: “The EFL Trust’s vision is to create a stronger, healthier more active communities and we see the delivery of NCS as a significant part of achieving this.
“We are delighted to be able to grow our supply chain of Club Community Organisations and youth organsations involved in NCS and are proud of the impact we have had through NCS so far.
Supporting thousands of young people as they transition into adulthood and then in turn make a positive difference in their community is something to be immensely proud of, and we look forward to continuing that in the future.”
Michael Lynas, Chief Executive of NCS Trust said: “I’m incredibly proud of everything that NCS has achieved in the last ten years. As it moves into the next phase of its life, I’m confident NCS can make a more significant difference for our young people and their communities than ever before.”
Oxford United in the Community is the football club’s official charity and helps inspire youngsters to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement and education.