Colchester United's Football in the Community scheme say a big thank you to their Thurstable volunteers for their hard work this season.
Providing volunteering opportunities is a big part of our Thurstable Football & Education College Male and Female Programmes in developing people not just students and footballers!
Over the course of the season, players from our U19s Male and Female Football Programmes at Thurstable Sixth Form in Tiptree have given up their own time to volunteer and contribute towards making a difference to those in our communities, whilst developing their own interpersonal, community and professional skills.
Alongside their full time study, training and competitive programmes, players are provided the opportunity to work and support Colchester United Football in the Community Staff on the wide range of Education, Participation and Health & Inclusion Projects the club runs within the community.
Freya, Talli and Brooke from the female programme for example, regularly gave up their time to support our Community and Development Centre Girls Programmes before lockdown, providing additional female role models for our young female players.
They also balanced this with attending careers events, sharing their experiences as female football students with secondary school pupils and offering guidance and advice in a time where the future can be a challenge for some.
Talli told the official website: "I have enjoyed volunteering to attend several careers events, offering advice and assistance to people who are making important decisions about post 16 study."
Shane and Owen from the Male programme have been supporting children at coaching sessions on Saturday mornings and on U’s home match days this season prior to lockdown.
Both have aspirations to work in coaching and with young people in the community and this experience has been valuable experience in developing skills that they will need for the future.
Again providing positive role models for young children, both have excelled in their roles and the commitment they show to their volunteering will make them better rounded employable people in the future.
Owen added: "When I am helping the coaches with the younger players, it puts me outside my comfort zone and helps me improve as a person as well as a coach."
Both Thurstable Male & Female Programmes have spaces left in their squads for the 2020/21 seasons.
For information about the Male Programme – CLICK HERE
For information about the Female Programme – CLICK HERE
For information about the Education on offer – CLICK HERE
Our programmes pride themselves on providing a holistic environment for young people to flourish not only on the pitch as players, in the classroom as students, but also off the pitch as people and our volunteering programme is a big part of this.
With opportunities to be coached to a high level, compete at a high standard, be taught at a well-respected sixth form, alongside gaining additional qualifications and experience through volunteering, Thurstable is a great next step for young people aged sixteen to nineteen to help them reach their potential.
See Louie’s Story by CLICKING HERE
See Paige’s Story by CLICKING HERE
To take the next step towards developing yourself on and off the pitch and representing Colchester United, please contact rick.goldsbrough@colchesterunited.net to express your interest in either the Male or Female Programmes.