Trust look to Kickstart scheme

500 young people will have the opportunity to work in an EFL club or Club Community Organisation as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.

And Fleetwood Town Community Trust have signed up to the scheme, which will kick in as soon as the pandemic situation allows.

The Trusts Chief Executive, Matt Hilton said: “This is a brilliant scheme as far as we’re concerned, because it gives the successful applicants a leg-up at the same time as enhancing the service we provide.

“There are standards and criteria we have to put in place before we start the scheme, but we’re looking at admin, coaching support and social media support within our department.

“Everything is on hold at the moment, but we’ll have more information as soon as the current situation eases, and when we’re in a position to continue with our day-to-day activities in a more ‘normal’ environment.”

Over 65 EFL clubs have signed up to be involved, offering six-month work placement jobs roles to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit – with the aim to give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.

Vacancies at clubs and their charitable arms will include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film & photography and HR and data administration roles.

Kickstart gives young people the opportunity they need to get their foot on the ladder and a foothold in the world of work. Nationally, the scheme has already created more than 38,000 vacancies across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers. Tens of thousands more jobs are expected in the coming months.

The scheme targets young people who have been hit especially hard by Coronavirus and Kickstart focuses on giving them the best possible chance of getting a job.

Under the scheme, the EFL Trust, the charitable arm of the EFL will be acting as a Gateway provider, bringing together a network of football clubs, Community Organisations and other partners, to provide a wealth of opportunities across the country for the out-of-work youngsters.

Over the past three weeks, the first Kickstarters to take roles within EFL clubs have come into post.

Maklin Doherty has joined Luton Town Football Club’s Community Trust as Marketing and Communications Assistant. After graduating with a 2:1 degree in Graphic and Communication Design from the University of Leeds in 2019, Maklin found it increasingly difficult to find opportunities during the pandemic and had to apply for Universal Credit.

Macklin said: “The recruitment process and feedback from the Trust made me feel seen and revived a level of confidence within myself that has been lacking since the first lockdown began. That barriers I felt existed collapsed before my eyes.