Three Years On: Ellis & Leicester City In The Community’s Youth Power Programme
- Eyres Monsell Club for Young People is part of Leicester City in the Community’s Youth Power Programme
- One participant, Ellis, has been supported by developing his coaching skills
- In return, Ellis has supported LCitC at community events and sessions
- Youth Power is funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Fund
One Leicester City in the Community participant has grown in maturity and responsibility since last visiting him in 2019.
Working with local youth provisions, LCitC’s Youth Power programme sees Community Engagement coaches help to deliver sessions in partner youth clubs across the city.
Funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Fund (PLPFA), the programme has also helped participants from youth clubs, including Eyres Monsell Club for Young People (EMCYP), find new opportunities and qualifications.
Ellis, who has attended EMCYP for five years, worked his way up from participant in the junior session, to volunteer and now becoming a Health and Wellbeing Apprentice.
“When I was a volunteer, it was quite difficult for me to fit in,” Ellis explained. “Leicester City in the Community have helped me with coaching football and sport.
“It’s been amazing to see and be involved in different things, I like it very much. I’ve now got a Gym Instructor qualification on the way – it’s a job that I know I’d love to do.”
Ellis helps Community Engagement Coach, Patrick Cox, alongside the weekly LCitC sports sessions, as well as sensory activities with SEND participants.
As well as this, Ellis has supported Leicester City in the Community staff at Premier League Kicks sessions and a special PL Kicks Camp at LCFC Training Ground.
Now that he is an apprentice, Patrick is working with Ellis to support his future and aspirations, such as seeking out more qualifications and more access to community establishments.
Ellis took the volunteer world by storm, with a Central England Co-op Young Co-operator Award for Young Community Hero of the Year to prove it.
“When I was given the award, it was mind-blowing – I don’t have words for it.”
During Leicester City in the Community’s sessions at EMCYP, young people have the opportunity to complete Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) courses to add strings to their bow and take part in sports sessions ran by the Club’s charitable arm.
Youth Power participants have also had the opportunity to attend Premier League matches, visit King Power Stadium and be a part of last year’s Summer of Fun programme ran by LCitC.
EMCYP Centre Manager, Louise Wylie, talked about Leicester City in the Community’s impact on participants like Ellis.
“It’s really good to have role models from Leicester City in the Community,” Louise began. “The branding attracts young people and makes them stop and listen.
“Ellis has grown so much since he was a volunteer – he has worked on himself so much over the past few years.”
See Ellis at Eyres Monsell Club for Young People, HERE. For more information on Leicester City in the Community, click HERE.