Implementing a nationwide initiative to improve opportunities for young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country…

The England football team will spearhead a nationwide initiative to improve opportunities for young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country.

Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves launched the first of a series of 11 projects that will engage with some of the hardest hit communities worst effected by deprivation including poor housing, health, education, disability, high incidences of crime, racial and drug abuse.

The TEFC Outreach Programme initiative will be jointly funded by the TEFC and the National Sports Foundation who are funded by Sport England, and together will work with children and young adults aged between 12-21 years to tackle a variety of social issues through football led-activities.

Speaking about the TEFC Outreach Programme, Ferdinand said: “We want to provide much needed opportunities and outlets for young people to benefit through football, whether that is purely participating in activities or gaining coaching qualifications to better themselves and the community they come from.”

Wythenshawe Youth FC, one of the 11 projects identified by the TEFC spoke out about their new found support:

“Having established ourselves through a social inclusion scheme, we now have the opportunity to offer something back to the community. The England teams’ investment will allow us to continue as a club and expand to benefit the community and surrounding areas.”

Owen Hargreaves added: “It is our hope our intervention will not only financially secure projects like Wythenshawe Youth FC but encourage future aspirations and achievements.”

This programme supports the Governments’ commitment to ensure that young people have access to 5 hours a week of physical activity and sport in order to live healthy lives. Working in partnership with projects such as TEFC allows the Government (via its agency Sport England) to reach young people through the power of football in all communities.
Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England, said: “The National Sports Foundation is delighted to be teaming up with the Team England Footballers Charity to support clubs like Wythenshawe Youth F.C. The dedication of the club’s volunteers - and the young people who turn up to training every week - has helped it make a real difference in South Manchester. This extra funding will see the club benefit from better coaching and create more opportunities for young people.”

National Sports Foundation:

The National Sports Foundation is funded by Sport England to encourage partnerships between private investors and community sport. The National Sports Foundation matches new and additional private investment with Foundation funding on a pound for pound basis.