Colchester United's Football in the Community Scheme have today announced their latest Impact Report.
With nearly 25,000 hours of engagement with the local community, over £650,000 of financial investment into the area and partnerships with 86 different organisations, 2019 was a year of huge success for the U's Football in the Community Scheme.
This success is measured by a +5,000 increase in engagement hours, +£25,000 financial investment increase and a general increase across the board through a variety of programmes and sessions.
Having launched their Unite Our Communities strategy at the start 2018, what followed was twelve months of unprecedented growth and progress for the U’s community scheme, which has now broadened its work to deliver to more people than ever before.
And the successes of the past year have been celebrated in a newly released 2019 Impact Report, highlighting the great work carried out by the community coaches and staff.
Take a look at our 2019 report HERE
U's Head of Community Corin Haines said: "During the past year we have seen our highest ever number of participation levels and delivery hours engaged in our provision.
"This indicates the skills and expertise of our staff, volunteers and trustees who are encouraging more people than ever before to improve their lives through sport, health and education.
"2019 saw us continue to deliver results against our “Unite our Communities” strategy, providing us with a clear guide for the workforce, partner organisations and participants of the direction we are mapping.
"We are working with an increased number of partners and participants, with many of those featured throughout this report. Our strong brand and infrastructure has enabled us to create such a positive impact to date.
"As ever, the support of Colchester United Football Club has been paramount to the difference we have been able to make in Colchester and North East Essex, using the power of the badge to aid and underpin our impact.
"The strong foundations that have been built since the inception of Colchester United Football in the Community in 2013 has enabled our engagement levels to rise, together with increased investment in the local community.
"Ensuring manageable growth whilst providing continual high-quality provision has been at the forefront of our objectives, as a result providing a positive impact on people’s lives.
"I hope you find that our “Unite Our Communities Impact Report 2019” provides a beneficial insight into the work and impact we have both on and within our communities.
"We are proud of the work we undertake and our achievements, and look forward to ensuring another year of development, manageable growth and success ahead whilst working in partnership with you organisation during 2020.”