Disadvantaged young people in Worcestershire are being given the chance to ‘work’ like a Warrior thanks to a community project funded by the Worcestershire Community Foundation (WCF), with a £4000 grant.
WCF’s focus is all about supporting and enriching Worcestershire’s current and future communities and is one of over 50 Community Foundations nationwide. It works in Worcestershire to support different strands of the community, such as troubled families, or young people trying to get into work.
Funded from the WCF 100 Club Grant, the project ran for the first time in 2012 and was a real success; Warriors have expanded it through the funding awarded by WCF.
The current funding is for 2013 programme only; and the 100 Club Grants are awarded annually in January, although these Grants are not guaranteed to previous organisations.
It is a work experience programme for local school pupils aged 12-14 to work with professional staff at Sixways Stadium over a 6 week period.
The aim of the project is to give young people, often facing social and economic barriers, career choice information and experience around marketing, event management, finance/costing and business acumen, all in the ‘real’ environment of a successful professional rugby club.
The project culminates in the delivery of an Aviva 'A' League match by the school pupils.
The project is made all the more significant on the back of the All Parliamentary Rugby Community Impact Award won last season by Worcester Warriors. Warriors secured the prestigious award following a full day of presentations.
Carol Hart, Worcester Warriors Community Foundation Manager explains how important the WCF funding is: “Worcester Warriors’ main focus off the field is to engage young people to lead healthy and rewarding lifestyles and we use the power of sport to achieve this.
“However, none of this is possible without our valued partners. Worcester Community Foundation has been really supportive of our work and has played a part in our success for which we are very grateful.”
WCF Trustee Phil Dutton adds: “Worcester Warriors and Sixways are totally at the business and emotional heart of our Worcestershire community so their commitment to working with local young people who need their support is greatly valued.
“The 100 Club Grant awarded to this project is being used to give practical and real assistance right here in the county.”
Supported by the Worcester News, the Worcestershire Community Foundation is inviting businesses to take part in the 100 Club to boost community projects across Worcestershire.
Organisations such as WHCA make an annual donation of £1000 for a minimum of three years.
Money given by donors goes directly to good causes in the county. Half is to be used immediately to support local needs with the remainder invested in endowment, with the income to be used to make grants to local groups in perpetuity.
For further information, please contact Worcestershire Community Foundation on 01562 733133.