U's launch Football In The Community programme.
Colchester United have affirmed their commitment to their local community and the provision of sporting activities, with the launch of a brand new Football in the Community programme.
Following the news that the Colchester United Community Sports Trust was to cease trading earlier this year, the U’s have moved quickly to step in and ensure that children from across the local area can enjoy high quality sports coaching provision.
Colchester United’s new look Football In The Community programme will see them take coaching activities into nearly forty schools across Colchester and surrounding villages, ensuring high level sports participation for children at both primary and secondary school level.
Tim Waddington, General Manager of Colchester United said: "We were saddened by the unfortunate closure of the Community Sports Trust, but we were equally determined that those that have benefited from the activities should not be impacted by its loss.
"Whilst there is obviously a significant commitment required from the club in time and resources to start our Football in the Community programme, it is clear that there are massive social benefits from ensuring these opportunities are available.
"Football is a fantastic, all inclusive means by which to get children into sport. As the professional club in the region, we are committed to ensuring that the excellent standards that we have developed at Colchester United can be extended across the local area, delivered by our own coaches."
The U’s will also take over the running of what was the Advanced Coaching Programme, which was previously run in partnership with the Sports Trust.
This will allow footballing hopefuls the chance to continue their sporting development in a scheme that will run in parallel to the club’s fantastic Academy programme at Florence Park.
This will allow footballing hopefuls the chance to continue their sporting development in a scheme that will run in parallel to the club’s fantastic Academy programme at Florence Park.
Corin Haines, Community Sports Participation Manager, said: "We are excited about the potential of the new Football in the Community programme and we have already signed up a large number of schools where we can deliver our football activities in the coming years.
"In recent years, the players at the club have already shown their commitment to the local community and this new scheme gives us even further opportunities to strengthen the bond between the squad and the local area."
Alongside the footballing and sporting provision, the U’s have agreed to work alongside Colchester Borough Council in the immediate term to help run the Shrub End Community Sports Centre on Boadicea Way.
Councillor Annie Feltham, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure Services said: "We were sorry to learn of the closure of the Trust but are committed to mitigating the effects on the local community, and continuing with the provision of as many services as possible.
More information will also follow soon on the club’s website.
. corin.haines@colchesterunited.net For more details on the courses on offer or to contact Colchester United’s new Football In The Community programme, call 01206 755160 or e-mail
"The Council is pleased to be working in partnership with Colchester United Football Club to do as much as possible to help preserve these important services."
. corin.haines@colchesterunited.net For more details on the courses on offer or to contact Colchester United’s new Football In The Community programme, call 01206 755160 or e-mail
"The Council is pleased to be working in partnership with Colchester United Football Club to do as much as possible to help preserve these important services."