carlisle

Success Story: Kaylee

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:18:32 GMT

We are delighted to report another success for one of our trainees from the latest CUFC Community Sports Trust Traineeship cohort.

Kaylee Cox was refereed onto the traineeship programme to help increase her confidence and career prospects; she has faced many challenges in her life which had taken a toll on her confidence and self-esteem. The traineeship provided her with the opportunity to embrace a new chapter in her life.

As part of the traineeship we sourced a work placement for Kaylee in the adult social care sector as this was a profession she had expressed an interest in.

Kaylee immediately excelled in her role as volunteer additional needs care assistant at Heathlands; she helped to support young adults with additional needs in various daily activities from taking part in art projects, cookery, wellbeing classes, exercise, external visits, and bingo!

One of Heathlands service users (Brian) is a huge CUFC fan and wanted to showcase his knowledge of the club by creating a poster.

Kaylee helped Brian with this and organised at visit from John Halpin (CST manager) so Brian could present him with his creation.

During her 12-week placement Kaylee’s empathic, calming nature shone through and she soon built up a great rapport with the service users and staff.

As a result of her kind, caring, compassionate nature and 100% commitment and dedication to the programme Heathlands offered Kaylee a contract of employment, which also includes training for Kaylee to obtain the Care Certificate qualification.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Heathlands particularly Heathlands operational manager Mike Borgia and office manager Eleanor Farquharson for their continued support for our traineeship programme.

CST traineeship coordinator Teresa Mulholland said: "We are thrilled for Kaylee. Her confidence and whole mindset has now changed. This opportunity will not only impact her economic future but her social and emotional future too."

Vicky Lowney, TYSO Cumbria County Council, said: "Kaylee's attendance and engagement on the traineeship has encouraged her to reach new heights of achievement by enabling her to recognise and build on her already pre-existing skills and abilities.

"The work experience and support provided via the traineeship has increased Kaylee's self-esteem and confidence which will impact positively on her economic future and emotional wellbeing."

Success Story: Thomas

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:28:07 GMT

Amongst our Community Sports Trust Football Development students, we have an England International goalkeeper!

A second-year student, Thomas Atkinson is a current England Amputee International and recently represented his country in the 2021 European Amputee Football Championship in Krakow.

Thomas’ journey began at nine years old after being referred to the England set up by the Cumberland FA after being spotted playing in various football camps, including our very own Carlisle United Soccer Schools. He stayed with the junior programme until the age of just 15, when he was moved up to be part of the under 23s team.

Not only is Thomas an England International, but he also represents both Newcastle United and Portsmouth at club level in their respective leagues, travelling up and down the country for both training and games each week.

Last summer, Thomas was included in the Euros Amputee squad as the youngest member of the team, after previously missing out due to being too young for the tournaments original schedule. However, due to COVID-19, the tournament was postponed for a year, meaning Thomas was now eligible for the surprise call-up when the summer came around.

Coming into the squad with the role of back-up, Thomas managed to make three appearances in total at the European Championships. Featuring against Greece, France, and Italy with the outstanding feat of keeping a clean sheet in all three games whilst playing in front of thousands of fans.

Finishing in a respectable fifth place at the tournament, Thomas now has his focus on the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup being held in Turkey later this year, where he aims to cement the number 1 goalkeeper spot!

Through one of England’s sponsors, Adidas, Thomas has had the chance to be involved with some popular content creators on YouTube such as the F2 Freestylers.

Thomas is still just 17, being heavily involved in the England set up, and recently being one of the youngest ever captains in the league for Newcastle United just before Christmas, it’s obvious there could be a great career ahead of him.

Read more about the England Amputee Football Association HERE .

Success Story: Brogan

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:11:40 GMT

Brogan Rooney is another student from the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust’s latest Traineeship programme to secure employment as a result of his 12-week work placement.

Prior to joining the programme, Brogan had completed a Level 2 Early Years course at Carlisle College. Unfortunately, Brogan then found himself unable to source an apprenticeship, due to not having enough practical experience. This was as a direct result of the Covid restrictions, which had impacted on the course provision.

As with all students, the CST tries to source them a work placement within an area or field in which they are hoping to gain employment or an apprenticeship, or in which they have a real interest. In Brogan’s case that was Early Years.

Following a bit of background work, we were so grateful for the offer of a voluntary placement via headteacher Ms Sue Blair at Pennine Way Primary School. Brogan completed his 12-week placement, working within the Early Years department and flourished from day one. He established a fantastic relationship with the children and staff at the school.

Brogan’s confidence grew as the traineeship progressed and he embraced all aspects of the provision; from the interaction with guest speakers to learning lifesaving skills, kindly provided via our local ‘Green Watch’ fire service.

On completion of his work placement at Pennine Way, Brogan secured sessional paid employment, helping to run the After School Club provision.

Brogan has also continued to volunteer within the early years department and is hoping to gain an apprenticeship in a primary school from September.

CST Traineeship Coordinator Teresa Mulholland said: “Brogan has been a joy to have on the programme. We wish him all the very best in his future career in Early Years education.”

School Business Manager Chris Kania said: “ Brogan is settling in really well in his new role as sessional After School Club Assistant. He is a pleasure to work with.”

We all wish Brogan every success for the future.

Success Story: Aidan

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:01:37 GMT

Aidan Brown, a student on the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust’s latest cohort of the Traineeship programme, has successfully gained employment following his 12-week work placement.

This is credit to Aidan as he fully embraced the opportunities the traineeship had to offer.

As part of the volunteering work placement element, the CST secured a 12-week customer service role via Ian Irving, a director of the VR Gateway. Aidan excelled in this role, taking part in the VR Roadshows which took place at various venues across the city and wider communities.

Aidan’s polite, calming nature shone through, and the organisation received some great feedback from service users on Aidan’s professionalism and impeccable manners. Aidan also volunteered with our community coaches here at CUFC CST and, again, his work ethic was outstanding.

On completing the traineeship at the end of April, Aidan secured sessional paid employment with the VR Gateway team. Aidan is also hoping to gain an apprenticeship as a teaching assistant within a primary school in September.

CST Traineeship Coordinator Teresa Mulholland said: “We are immensely proud of Aidan.

“His work ethic and commitment to the programme have been outstanding. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ian and the guys at VR Gateway for supporting the programme.”

Ian Irving, director of VR Gateway, said: “Aidan’s work ethic, overall positive attitude, and professionalism have been a credit to the team. He has conducted himself well and performed admirably in some challenging and new situations.”

Read the full article here: https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2022/may/cst-further-success-for-traineeship-programme/

Success Story: Sarah-Jayne

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:51:23 GMT

Sarah-Jayne’s continuing journey in partnership with Carlisle United and the University of South Wales has seen her take on coaching responsibilities in a variety of sports.

Having completed the Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development, Sarah is currently studying towards BSc (Hons) Community Football Coaching and Administration and has a passion to pursue a career in professional coaching.

Last year she was the recipient of The Harry Armstrong Award for her outstanding work towards her degree, as well as this she is a part-time coach at both Cumbria Cricket and Carlisle United Community Trust. Moreover, Sarah’s coaching ability transcends into both sports as she is also an academy coach at Cumbria Football Academy and lead coach for Cumbria County Cricket Club girls U13’s and U15’s.

With a range of sports already on her agenda, Sarah-Jayne credited the programmes work-based learning approach. She explained: “It’s developed me a lot more in terms of being a football coach because that’s what a lot of the learning is from but delivering in schools is more focused on multi-sport and fundamental movement skills so that all correlate to all different sports, it’s prepared me to even go and deliver a hockey session.”

Moreover, the nature of the degree demands individuals to enter professional workplaces, something Sarah credits to giving her a lot more confidence compared to her old self who wouldn’t want to be pushed out of her comfort zone.

The practical element to the course was something that “stuck out” to Sarah prior to enrolling as work-based learning allows learners to tailor their interests whilst participating and learning on the job.

She said: “I get a lot more out of it, the enjoyment is there because it’s what I enjoy doing but I’m not one to sit down in a classroom all day so in school when you are doing that, your mind wanders on to something else and I’m not focused on what I’m supposed to be doing. If I’m out in a school all-day coaching then I must be switched on all day, I’m enjoying it and I’m learning from other coaches so it’s a lot more enjoyable and beneficial for me.”

With an impressive coaching CV already to her name, Sarah has big aspirations in her coaching career. She explains: “My ultimate goal is to say I coach for a national team whether that’s part of the England coaching set up or the age groups.”

See the full article here: https://www.southwales.ac.uk/story/3690/

Success Story: Josh

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:05:08 GMT

League Football Education's Learner of the Term celebrates the efforts of students who have made excellent academic progress and a positive contribution at their club.

Second-year learner Josh Metcalfe has excelled during this academic year, consistently achieving Distinction grades and displaying leadership qualities on the pitch.

More recently, Josh has discovered a passion for sports journalism, combining his love of football and words to build a strong portfolio of match reports for his beloved Newcastle United. In addition to his work experience with Carlisle United Soccer Schools, Josh has secured a conditional University offer to do a sports journalism degree at Sunderland University, which further highlights his motivation to succeed in the world of journalism.

Education Officer Liam Jackson said: “Josh has been an outstanding student during this academic year both on the football pitch and in the classroom. His confidence has developed superbly, showing excellent confidence amongst his peers. His communication and enthusiasm when delivering presentations during his BTEC work has been brilliant.

“He is a very liked member of the class and this is very impressive to see considering how quiet Josh was during the first year of the course. As well as the above, Josh has also improved the standard of his work. He has started to achieve distinctions on a regular basis.

“What has impressed me the most is Josh’s initiative away from the course. To gain experience prior to University, Josh attends the Newcastle United games, makes notes and then writes up a comprehensive match report after the game. This shows the excellent attitude and motivation Josh has to succeed in everything he does, building up fantastic skills, both personal and academic, that will benefit him when going off to university and progressing into work. “

See the full article here: https://www.lfe.org.uk/news/lfe-learner-of-the-term-winners-jan-april-2022/