This Saturday, Leeds United will help to celebrate the impact that young people from the city of Leeds have had on NCS, a youth programme aimed at 16-17 year olds.
The awareness raising campaign, #NCSMatchday, is organised by the Leeds United Foundation who deliver the NCS (National Citizenship Service) programme in our local community. On the day of the Wigan Athletic fixture a group of lucky Leeds United fans – who all spent their school holidays meeting new people, learning new skills and giving back to their community through the NCS programme – will be in attendance as special guests to help raise awareness of NCS and they will also help to form the guard of honour for the first-team players at kick-off.
In 2019, young people from EFL Trust’s network delivered over 650 Social Action Projects, volunteered over 260,000 hours of social action and raised over £230,000 for local charities and causes.
The event, supported by Leeds United Football Club and the Leeds United Foundation, will be part of a wider EFL Trust (Charitable Arm of EFL) campaign that will see #NCSMatchday reach over 36 EFL and Premier League clubs across the country, highlighting the positive work that young people have done in their local community.
In 2019, #NCSMatchday reached over 2 million people, with over 450 footballers players across the country celebrating NCS and the young people who have given back to the local community.
Leeds United captain, Liam Cooper, spoke about the programme and said: “I think it’s really important that we help to raise awareness around the NCS programme and the great work these youngsters are doing, if the activities at the stadium on Saturday help to do that then that’s brilliant.
“NCS gives young people the chance to really expand their horizons by getting involved in new activities and challenges, whilst also giving them the opportunity to make new friends and take part in projects to benefit our community.”
NCS is a flagship government initiative that provides young people aged 16-17 the chance to take on new challenges, experience exciting activities, make long-lasting friendships and develop vital skills that will support them later in life. Supporting young people’s transition to adulthood, the programme develops their strength of character, giving a sense of purpose, optimism and belonging.
Almost 600,000 young people have completed the NCS programme to date, giving up an incredible 14.5 million hours to social action projects since NCS started. To find out more and sign up, visit: www.wearencs.com.
