From 2020, Leeds Rhinos Foundation will engage thousands of young people aged 16 and 17 by delivering National Citizen Service (NCS), a 4-week programme funded by the Government.
NCS is one of the fastest growing youth programmes engaging 500,000 young people since piloting in 2009. The NCS experience will give young people a clearer idea of what they want from their future, and they will take on fresh challenges, get a taste of independence and be given a platform to have their voices heard and deliver a social action project that will positively impact their local area.
Through EFL Trust, over 1.8 million hours of voluntary work has been delivered addressing local and national issues which young people are passionate about such as mental health, the environment and plastic waste.
In partnership with EFL Trust, Leeds Rhinos Foundation won the contract to deliver NCS from 2020 onwards joining 65 delivery partners that will be managed by EFL Trust.
Gareth Cook, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Head of Community and Engagement, is excited to be a part of the new NCS network of partners who will deliver its flagship programme for young people over the next five years.
“We are delighted to have become a delivery partner to provide NCS in Leeds,” said Cook.
“As a family focused, inclusive organisation, this is yet another offer that the Foundation can provide to young adults to help them to shape their future.
“We are relishing our new partnership opportunity with the NCS Trust and the EFL Trust and are very much looking forward to the growth of this programme. Both organisations have been hugely supportive throughout the process and we have no doubt that we will deliver and successful experience for both participants as well as community groups that will significantly benefit from the social action phase of the scheme.”
Mike Evans, Director of Operations, EFL Trust, is delighted with the amount of Football Clubs involved in NCS going forward saying, “The EFL Trust’s vision is to create a stronger, healthier more active communities and we see the delivery of NCS as a significant part of achieving this.
“We are delighted to be able to grow our supply chain of Club Community Organisations and youth organisations involved in NCS and are proud of the impact we have had through NCS so far. Supporting thousands of young people as they transition into adulthood and then in turn make a positive difference in their community is something to be immensely proud of, and we look forward to continuing that in the future.”
Chief Executive of NCS Trust, Michael Lynas said “I’m incredibly proud of everything that NCS has achieved in the last ten years. As it moves into the next phase of its life, I’m confident NCS can make a more significant difference for our young people and their communities than ever before.”
For more information on Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s NCS programme, contact gareth.cook@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.
