Colwyn Bay FC first in Wales to offer unique football scheme

Sep 23 2010 by Rayyan Parry, North Wales Weekly News

Colwyn Bay FC first in Wales to offer unique football scheme

A FOOTBALL club has become the first in Wales to offer a groundbreaking scheme for youngsters.

Colwyn Bay FC now offers a BTEC qualification in football studies.

The unique training programme offers everything from skills in branding to merchandising and media.

After a successful trial run at the club, the scheme will be rolled out to youngsters in the area during the New Year.

Project manager at the club, Christian Fontana said: “It’s still quite unbelievable. We had this vision of setting it all up. To see it all coming together and unfolding is exciting. It’s very rewarding.”

The course also offers modules in marketing and PR to get coaching badges.

“It offers a lot of people a lot of opportunities. We’re helping with CVs and job contacts and they’re making new friends.

“People come in with their heads down and build up confidence. There’s something for everyone,” said Christian.

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar visited the home ground recently with Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths.

“It’s been great to visit the football club and find out more about this groundbreaking initiative,” said Mr Millar.

“Football can be used to bring about positive changes within the lives of individuals and communities.

“This qualification will enable young people to develop skills they will find useful in all walks of life, not just on the football pitch.

“Not only will the teaching help them to design, plan and run activities that will help raise money for the football club, it will also help them make a real difference to the community in which they are based.”

The scheme is offered in partnership with social enterprise, Vi-Ability and Colwyn Bay FC.

Town and county councillor, and ardent Colwyn Bay FC fan, Chris Hughes welcomed the scheme.

“I’m a keen supporter of the club. I think it’s an excellent and fantastic scheme and we should be fully supportive of it.

“We should be congratulating the football club with the work it’s done to develop itself in the community.

“There’s an awful lot it’s done to engage younger people in the area, in getting them involved in structured action and developing transferable skills for the future.”