Northampton Town FC Community Trust are delighted to have received a grant from local charity, Northamptonshire Sport. Using the funding, one of our community coaches will be delivering weekly Saturday coaching sessions at the University of Northampton.
Northamptonshire Sport has been chosen as the local funding partner of Sport England and is supporting their national ‘Unite the Movement’ campaign. Northamptonshire Sport is also leading on key pieces of work to help Children and Young People remain active and reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on activity levels in those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This will ensure that gaps between those who are active and those who aren’t, don’t widen further.
During the lockdowns, Northamptonshire Sport - whose mission is to support Northamptonshire residents to be ‘more active, more often' were forced to find creative ways to continue with their work. Via their existing network of Development Officers and School Sports Team who work across Northamptonshire, the charity has ensured that physical activity remains accessible for residents.
Matthew Peleszok, Northamptonshire Sports lead on Satellite Clubs, said:
"We’re excited to be supporting the local community to stay active during COVID-19. As an organisation we have worked hard to ensure that the inequalities gap doesn't widen and we are delighted to have awarded funds to Northampton Town FC Community Trust. We have a unique position to support the county and we look forward to working hard to provide opportunities to every resident of Northamptonshire who has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
"Learn2Live youth group is a branch of Northampton Town of Sanctuary who provide a weekly youth group for young people who have sought asylum. This includes a weekly football club, and partnering with the University of Northampton and Student Action for Refugees (STAR) society group to offer English classes. Through these projects we aim to create a culture of welcome to people seeking asylum.
"We are really excited for the group to restart. Football is a common interest for our young people and provides an inclusive environment for them to take part in," said Natasha Murphy, Student Trustee at Student Action for Refugees
Anna Letts, Programmes Manager for NTFC Community Trust added, “It is great we can be the delivery partner for this project and encourage young people back to the sport they love. Our coach Tom Sherratt enjoyed meeting the group during the first session and seeing what their football skills were like.”