Member Article

Hartlepool United striker named youth scheme ambassador

Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation have announced that the club’s striker Padraig Amond has been named as this season’s National Citizen Service (NCS) Ambassador.

The Hartlepool United number nine joins 40 footballers from across the country to have pledged support for the NCS programme.

Hartlepool United is at the heart of the local community, with Padraig Amond a well-known name in Hartlepool, and so will play an integral role in helping raise awareness on NCS and engage with the wider community.

Padraig has already been engaging with Hartlepool’s young people during the autumn half-term NCS programme. Visiting a group taking part in a St John’s Ambulance First Aid Course in the club’s Centenary Suite, Padraig was on hand to act as a casualty for teenagers to test their new skills on.

17 year old NCS participant Nathan Godfrey from Hartlepool said: “It was great to have Padraig Amond visit our NCS programme and get involved in the first aid course.

“Here’s hoping Padraig doesn’t require any first aid on the pitch any time soon!

“I’ve really enjoyed my time on NCS. I had an amazing time making new friends and challenging myself with gorge scrambling and mountaineering in the Lake District. We’ve been learning some CV-building skills back in the local area and next we’ll be planning and delivering our own community project.“

Over the coming months, Padraig will work alongside Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation and NCS by visiting local schools to help promote the scheme, engaging with young people on NCS programmes, and celebrating the incredible work young people achieve whilst taking part in the scheme.

Padraig Amond said: “I think it’s great that Hartlepool United is the Local Delivery Provider for this prestigious National Citizen Service (NCS) programme for 15-17 year olds.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and has made a massive impact on teenagers confidence, leadership and independence skills. More than 270,000 young people have already said YES to NCS. Now it’s your chance to say YES!!“

Vicki Hutchinson, NCS Coordinator at Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, said: “It’s great to have Padraig Amond on-board with the NCS programme as an ambassador for Hartlepool United.

“Padraig has already visited our autumn group during phase 2 and commented on the fantastic ethos of the programme. We are delighted to be have Padraig supporting the scheme and we are looking forward to inviting him to spend some more hands-on time as an NCS ambassador, in order to support the young people of Hartlepool as they embark on their NCS journey.“

Bookings are now open for the summer 2017 NCS programme with Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation. The programme will be running during the holidays and is open to all 15-17 year olds for £50 or less, depending on circumstances.

The NCS programme includes time away on an outdoor adventure somewhere like the Lake District, taking part in adrenaline-fueled activities and making new friends. Following this, teens return to a residential-base to build new CV-building skills for work, study and life. Next they make a mark on the local community through a social action project that is organised and delivered by young people themselves.

To find out more or to book a place for summer 2017, call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NCS North East .