Local MPs visited Sheffield Wednesday’s Community Programme to meet teenagers taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS).
Young people from across the city have enjoyed a superb summer after spending four-weeks making a difference to their local community while developing crucial life skills.
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP David Blunkett, who is himself a Wednesdayite, and Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts spoke with the school leavers undertaking NCS as they planned social action projects.
They also met the club’s NCS Ambassador Michail Antonio who helps raise the profile of the scheme and visited teenagers in Shiregreen as they worked hard renovating a disused Scout hut for local residents.
NCS gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills and get experience that helps with CVs or college applications.
David Blunkett, MP, said: "The transition between adolescence and adulthood is one of the most challenging times of our lives.
"National Citizen Service is a real contribution to recognising the maturing into adulthood, self-awareness and the real contribution that young people can make to the wellbeing of those around them.
"Giving to others is its own reward and that is why I’m pleased to be able to celebrate the excellent local support being given to young people taking on this programme of volunteering, participation and active citizenship.”
General Manager of the Football League Trust, Mike Evans, also attended and was delighted by the progression of the NCS scheme in the last 12 months.
He said: "It’s fantastic that one year on, David has returned to witness the positive impact being made by young people at Wednesday’s 2013 NCS programme.
"Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme epitomise The Football League Trust’s NCS delivery by continuing to make a difference year on year."
The Football League Trust has been a part of NCS since its beginning in 2011, and will deliver 5,700 places in 2013 across its football club community schemes and organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber region. You can find out more by CLICKING HERE.