The ever popular JobServe Community Stadium Takeover returned recently, with over 500 participants playing on the pitch.
Just before the recent May half term break, participants from Colchester United Football in the Community, (CUFITC), programmes had the opportunity to use the Jobserve Community Stadium facilities and play on the pitch.
Participants from a wide and diverse range of community programmes took to the pitch for a fun filled day of activities.
Programmes from within CUFITC’s strands of work; Participation, Sport & Education and Health & Inclusion used the stadium facilities throughout the day, providing a memorable day for all involved.
The time table included:
- A Sport & Education Multi Sports Festival for local primary School Children
- An Inclusive SEN Multi Sports Festival for a number of SEN Schools in the local area
- A Premier League Primary Stars 4v4 Football Tournament for local Primary School Children
- Sport & Education 2022/23 Launch Event for Teachers
- A Football College Fixture vs Fulham FC Foundation
- Skills Centre Football Sessions
- Boys U12-U16 Development Centre Training Sessions
- Girls U8-U16 Development Centre Training Sessions
- Premier League Kicks Inclusive Football Sessions
- Walking Football training Session
Children from Stanway Fiveways in Colchester attended the Sport & Education Multi Sports Festival, having the opportunity to try lots of different sports such as Archery and Golf on the pitch.
Sports Co-ordinator at the School Mr Lehain commented: "The children loved the day they experienced at the Community Stadium and they got to try different sports."
"That has enhanced the interest of our children for when we return to school, especially in sports they don't normally try such as golf and Archery.
"The coaches were full of energy and encouraged the children at every possible stage of the event - thank you for inviting us!"
Abbey Lewis, Class Teacher from Belsteads School in Chelmsford, which supports children who have an education, health and care plan for social, emotional and mental health difficulties, brought a group of children along to take part in the Inclusive SEN Multi Sports Festival.
For some of the pupils, this was their first experience of visiting a Football Stadium!
Abbey detailed the impact of their visit to the Inclusive Festival, explaining: "Our students had an amazing time visiting the stadium in May!"
"One student had told us previously it is her dream to visit a football stadium and she was totally in awe of the place.
"She loved seeing the commentary box, being able to shoot a football into the goal and stand on the centre spot.
"The activities that were provided were engaging, interactive and a lot of fun.
"There was definitely something for everyone to enjoy and a friendly, good natured competitive spirit set up by the staff.
"The staff were friendly, helpful, kind and supportive to the students, and gave them reassurance and confidence to push themselves and be an active participant in the activities on offer.
"The students had a fabulous time and said they would love to be invited to go again in the future!
"From a teacher's perspective, the communication before and on the day was great. The staff were approachable, and made a real effort to make us all feel very welcome. A great event. Well done to all involved."
Essy, one of the Walking Football Participants added: "Thank you CUFITC, it was a lovely evening and again thank you for organising our training session on the pitch."
The Walking Football Squad train each week at the JCS Cages. Numbers are on the increase with a big squad that attends each week and who represent Colchester United in local matches and tournaments.
CUFITC Head of Operations & Performance Rick Goldsbrough said: "Our first Community Stadium Day for a number of years allowed us to provide this exciting opportunity to the participants on our Community Programmes once again."
"To see all the smiles return to the JCS pitch and the memories created on the day is a big part of why we do what we do here at the club.
"From school children from our Partner Schools in the morning, through to our football college fixture and football sessions in the afternoon and early evening, up to the last kick of our Walking Football training session in the evening, the day was a great success!
"Plans have already begun for next year where we strive to offer this opportunity to our community participants once again and help make even more positive memories with their local football club."
CUFITC continues to offer programmes within our local communities and providing participants with memorable experiences with Colchester United.
If you’d like to find out more about the programmes that are available please visit - https://www.cu-fc.com/fitc/
To book onto one of CUFITC’s Community Programmes please visit - https://colchester-united-fitc.class4kids.co.uk/