In the lead up to the end of the season, Colchester United players have been out and about in the local community meeting participants across Colchester United Football in the Community programmes.
First team players; Ryan Clampin, Shamal George, Cole Skuse, Noah Chilvers, Tommy Smith, Luke Chambers, Junior Tchamadeu, Brendan Wiredu and Freddie Sears visited participants to answer questions, sign autographs and have their pictures taken.
Colchester United Captain Tommy Smith and Vice-Captain Luke Chambers visited the Colchester United Football in the Community Walking Football session which takes place each Thursday 5-6pm at the Jobserve Community Stadium.
Tommy Smith shared; “A big part of a football club is engaging with the community and unfortunately it has proved difficult to do so throughout the pandemic. So for us to finally be able to have those face to face interactions after so long means a lot to us. We are always keen to help out in any way we can as players to inspire the next generation of football fans in any way possible. Visiting the Walking Football guys was a pleasure and it was great to speak with them and join in for a kick about too!”
Ed King Colchester United Health & Inclusion Officer who leads the session said; “It was brilliant to have Tommy and Luke visit our Walking Football session and interact with our participants. They’re role model to our club and our community and we look forward to seeing the players again next season.”
Walking Football Participant Phil McCusker detailed hid enjoyment of the players visit; “It was great to see Tommy and Luke showing an interest in the oldies and joining in the spirit and fun of our weekly Community Walking Football session. It’s great to have them back!”
Across a number of Colchester United Football in the Community Participation sessions in Colchester, Tiptree and Heybridge, including Skills Centre Grassroots football sessions and Boys and Girls Development Centre programmes, participants were excited to meet their role models including Freddie Sears, Junior Tchamadeu, Brendan Wiredu, Noah Chilvers and Ryan Clampin.
Rick Goldsbrough, Community Performance Manager described the importance of player engagement in the community; “Having the players back in our communities supporting the promotion of the positive work we do is fantastic. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen them in person over the pandemic, and although their support virtually has been brilliant, you can’t beat the smiles on participant’s faces when they visit our weekly sessions.”
Everyone at Colchester United Football in the Community would like to thank Tommy Smith our Community Ambassador, all the players who’ve been Community Ambassadors, the Management Team, the Club Media Team and The PFA for their valued support this season!
As the players go on holiday for the off-season Colchester United Football in the Community sessions continue across our communities.
Details on programmes available for participants can be found at – https://www.cu-fc.com/fitc/
To book a place on programmes please visit Class 4 Kids - https://colchester-united-fitc.class4kids.co.uk/
Please contact Fitc@colchesterunited.net / 01206 755160 with any enquires.