A FOUNDATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Crewe Alexandra in the Community (CAitC) has joined forces with the Steve Morgan Foundation to support youths at risk of being excluded from school and vulnerable adults facing housing and health issues.

“Part of that work aims to tackle the root issues of social disadvantage, support underprivileged people, and help them to fulfil their potential. “Having the support of the Steve Morgan Foundation will be a game-changer for us. This generous grant will enable us to continue – and expand – our efforts to deliver programmes and projects which make a real difference to our community. We are very grateful and look forward to working even more closely with the Steve Morgan Foundation in the future.”

Ray Walker, CAitC Community Manager, added: “Through this partnership with Steve Morgan Foundation, we have a great opportunity to forge better links with local education providers and charities to help people improve their well-being and sense of belonging.

“Together, we want to forge a reputation for being at the forefront of alternative provision that can benefit people in Crewe and the surrounding area.”

CAitC, based at Shavington, boasts some of the best community facilities in the UK and receives more than 5,000 visitors each week. A wide range of activities and courses is on offer to people of all ages.

Steve Morgan is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. At the age of 21, he established Redrow, which he grew to one of the UK’s most successful homebuilders.

He founded the Steve Morgan Foundation in 2001, which is one of the largest funding charities in the UK. It provides funding, support, expertise and best practice to charities and organisations.

Steve Morgan Foundation has pledged to spend £100m over the next five years to break the cycle of social disadvantage and ensure everyone has a fair chance at a good life.

Steve Morgan said: “We know that football can play an important role in engaging people and getting them back on the right path.

“That’s why the Steve Morgan Foundation has invested in work at Crewe Alexandra

in the Community, enabling them to supercharge their programmes and change people’s lives for good.”

On Track To Change Lives

Crewe Alexandra in the Community’s On Track programme is doing great work to identify and support local youngsters at risk of being expelled from school.

Also designed to support those who are not in education, employment or training, the programme delivers classroom education and sporting activity aimed at helping people re-engage with learning, improve behaviour, and build confidence.

The young people who would benefit from extra support are identified by schools, local authorities or the Police.

CAitC are also in contact with the YMCA, Wishing Well, Chance, and other organisations to identify adults in need of assistance.

Qualified staff from CAitC work with four groups of eight-15 participants, in 12-week blocks.

Twice-weekly sessions are based at CAitC’s Shavington base as well as the school setting.

Matt Fisher, one of the coaches who delivers the On Track programme, said: “On Track gives local teenagers the chance to find direction, build confidence, and see what they’re truly capable of.“ We work closely with high schools to provide positive role models and real opportunities for young people who might be struggling with motivation or facing barriers.

“It’s incredible to see the difference we can make. Pupils re-engage with education, make progress with their behaviour, and start to believe in themselves again.

“The impact made within our schools and wider community is genuinely life-changing, and it is very rewarding to be a part of it.”

On Track will run for 40 weeks a year until 2028. Sessions include physical activities and education, and partner organisations deliver health and wellbeing benefits on a weekly basis.

The programme is headed up by a full-time Engagement and Mentor Programme Lead, with two part-time delivery staff and a female Learner Mentor providing support.

A bespoke development plan will be created for each participant, setting realistic targets and forging a sense of purpose.

An end goal to work towards will be agreed, and could include returning to mainstream school, volunteering or employment

Ray Walker, CAitC community manager, said: “Young people who are in danger of being excluded from school, or who have already been removed, can easily become isolated. Missing out on education can reduce opportunities for attainment and success.

“Disadvantaged adults who are experiencing homelessness, living with physical and mental health conditions, or suffering from addiction, are also at risk of becoming isolated. “This programme provides meaningful activities and access to additional support. It can rebuild confidence and self-esteem, while also providing pathways back to mainstream school, qualifications, training, volunteering and employment. “We want to give local youngsters a chance to find direction, build confidence, and see what they’re truly capable of, and the partnership with the Steve Morgan Foundation is crucial to that.”

Melvin Bates, CAitC operations manager, added: “We aim to upskill people who have been identified, and teach them techniques to combat the behaviours that have caused an issue. “We give them experience, confidence, and the ability to work within a team, with a view to making them employable.” Crewe Alex first-teamers regularly lend their support to CAitC efforts, and they again showed their support during EFL Week of Action.

Week of Action sees 72 EFL clubs come together to showcase how football extends beyond the pitch to improve health and wellbeing, boost education, strengthen communities, and bring people together.

Lewis Billington, Max Sanders, Joel Tabiner, Conor Thomas, Stan Dancey, Hannah Holloway and Calum Agius took part in Q&As with On Track youngsters, as well as testing their skills in shooting drills!

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