VINCI Park and Hull FC Kick Off Leadership Programme for Teens
Young people in Hull will now have the opportunity to gain a broad experience and access to beneficial qualifications following VINCI Park’s agreement to sponsor a Young Leadership Programme with Hull FC Rugby Club. Demonstrating its commitment to the Hull community, VINCI Park is launching its partnership with Hull FC, who has developed a training programme to provide valuable work-related qualifications for local teenagers. VINCI Park’s significant financial contribution has secured the first year of what is hoped will become an annual programme for young people in the city.
The Young Leadership Programme will be open to 14 and 15 year-olds living in the Hull area and aims to address the city’s high levels of unemployment. Based on the national Young Leaders Scheme, the programme will provide teens with an opportunity to discover their full potential through their involvement as leaders in sport.
Best known for running the on-street parking operation throughout Kingston upon Hull, VINCI Park’s £23,000 contribution will help Hull FC Rugby Club successfully implement and operate the scheme in conjunction with both Hull College and Hull University.
Participants in the scheme will also be able to experience training with a professional rugby team. As the young people progress through the programme, not only will they attain Level 1 and Level 2 sport coaching badges, but they will also build confidence, increase motivation and develop work-related skills.
At the end of each year, the young people involved will attain a Young Leader Award and have access to further education for qualifications such as a BTEC in sport. Whether they choose to enter the work force, or continue their education, possibly in sports science, successful graduates will have gained valuable experience, as well as a valid and useful qualification.
To attract participants to the scheme, Hull FC Rugby Club has established links with the local School Sports Partnerships (SSP). It is anticipated that each year, between 60 and 70 local teenagers will be placed in the programme.
Mark Evans, VINCI Park CEO, commented: “As a local employer, we are always keen to develop strong and long-lasting relationships within the communities that we work. We understand that unemployment is an issue in Hull and VINCI Park is committed to addressing this whenever it can through education and access to increased employment opportunities. Investing in and developing young people is important to our business, so it was only natural for us to support this initiative.
“By establishing a partnership with Hull FC Rugby Club and providing local teenagers with the support they need at a critical stage in their lives, we are helping to provide access to the education and skills they will need for a better life.”
Jon Flatman, General Manager of Hull FC Foundation commented: “This new partnership between VINCI Park and Hull FC means we will be working together to benefit the local community. The creation of the Young Leadership Programme will greatly expand our ability to help teens in Hull."