Millwall Community Trust’s (MCT) Training Ground Programme and former Alternative Provision Programme student Reece Endicott was featured in The Sun Newspaper for his excellent progression at MCT.
Reece is an aspiring Sports Journalist and shadows MCT’s Media Officer Kai Bennett one day per week.
You can read the full story below:
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GAME on! Football clubs are helping to match youngsters to jobs.
Participants on the Training Ground programme get access to work experience and volunteering opportunities.
They can also receive one-to-one mentoring and take part in group workshops on life skills and moneymanagement.
Aspiring sports journalist Reece Endicott has autism and mild learning needs.
Although he did not get the exam grades he needed to apply for a media apprenticeship, Reece was supported by The Training Ground programme and Millwall Community Trust to undertake work experience.
He has now studied Sport BTEC Level 2 and has worked as a volunteer media assistant for the Millwall Trust.
Together, this allowed him to assemble a portfolio of work — including articles published on Millwall’s website — which Reece, 18, hopes will help him secure a place on a Level 3 media course or media apprenticeship this year.
He said: “Working with the Trust and taking up a work experience role has been very beneficial for me.
“It has allowed me to get a grasp of a professional environment and also given me little bits and pieces I can use for my future job to maximise my potential.”
While most participants will join the scheme for a 12-weeks period, trainees can stay on the programme for as long as they require the support it offers.
The London area scheme is delivered by clubs including AFC Wimbledon, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Charlton Athletic, Queen’s Park Rangers and the Premier League sides Chelsea, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Arsenal.
Open to Londoners aged 16 to 24, the programme is aimed at young people with special educational needs or those who have experienced the care or the criminal justice system.
It is also open to those who have been homeless or act as a carer for others.
Many other clubs across the country also run their own schemes, with the EFL helping youngsters who are looking to improve core skills such as English and maths before applying for work.
Debbie Cook, of the EFL’s charitable arm, said: “We are proud to support people in our communities across England and Wales by giving them opportunities to improve their wellbeing and change their lives.
“The Training Ground programme provides young people the chance to overcome barriers and unlock their potential.
“The programme provides practical support and training, alongside mentoring and activities that will increase the confidence of participants.”
You can find out more about the programme at eflinthecommunity.com/training-ground.
