Four more young people have completed Preston North End Community and Education Trust’s [PNECET] Kickstart scheme, which is designed to enhance the employability prospects of 16 to 24-year-olds previously claiming Universal Credit.
The Kickstart scheme, delivered in partnership with the EFL Trust, saw Jack Banks, Jacob Williams, Jordan Thomas and Martell Elly join PNECET as Community Sports Coaches over the turn of the year, to embark on six-month job placement roles.
All four Community Sports Coaches have been supported with personal development plans to increase their confidence and communication skills while providing them with work experience in the sports industry.
Head of Education Liam Sealey said: “It has been a pleasure to have had Jack, Jacob, Jordan and Martell as part of our staff over the last six months who have contributed immensely to our provision as Community Sports Coaches.
“They have all developed brilliantly during their time with PNECET and we are confident that with the development opportunities they have accessed over the last six months that they can continue to achieve their goals in the future.”
Jack, Jacob, Jordan and Martell have been delivering across PNECET’s provision during their employment with the Trust, engaging with a wide variety of programme members.
Jack said: “I’ve found it a fun experience, learning different skills on different programmes being run within the community, helping people get active and become aware that PNECET is there to support them.
“It’s helped me develop more personal skills, my communication skills, being able to coach different people and different ages and people of different backgrounds.”
Jacob said: “It’s been really good, it’s been fun, I’ve definitely learned a lot from the experience to take into future jobs.
“I’ve developed my confidence, time management and independence, I’ll be able to be my own person a lot more.”
Jordan said: “I’ve loved it. It’s the best experience I’ve ever had. I couldn’t have asked for anything else; there are good people around me, good support, good and honest opinions when needed and it’s been quality to be around.
“With the people around me and talking to them and getting to know them more, it’s their confidence which has brought mine [confidence] out, which is better and making me the person I am now.”
Martell said: “It’s allowed me to develop as a person because I’ve met a wide range of people. I definitely feel more confident. I’ve been on a multi-skills course recently which has helped me a lot with being able to coach young children and fundamental skills.
“It’s definitely shown me that I love being a part of sport and helping people get better, everything about it.”
All four of our most recently departed Community Sports Coaches - Jack, Jacob, Jordan and Martell - agreed that they had improved and developed their technical skills, developed their confidence and personal skills, were made to feel welcome by PNECET staff, and both enjoyed and would recommend the Kickstart scheme.
PNECET was one of 65 EFL clubs to sign-up to the Kickstart scheme in March 2021, when David Berry, James Galt, Nicole Collins and Reece Howarth were also recruited as Community Sports Coaches.
David, James, Nicole and Reece all agreed that they developed their confidence and personal skills as a result of their employment with PNECET.
David has since progressed on to studying PNECET’s Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development, delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales and the EFL Trust, while James, Nicole and Reece have all continued to gain casual hours of paid employment with PNECET.
Everyone at Preston North End is wishing Jack, Jacob, Jordan and Martell the best of luck for their future endeavours!