Magpies Launch Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Local Youngsters.
Midfielder Danny Guthrie met up with the group of lucky youngsters at St James’ Park to mark the start of the programme run by Club charity Newcastle United Foundation.
21 Foundation youngsters aged between 14 and 16 will embark on a six month programme towards a Bronze Award. The programme is an adventure from beginning to end and involves volunteering, skill, physical and expedition elements. Participants need no prior qualifications or skills – just a willingness to work as a team and try out new experiences.
This is the Foundation’s first intake of young people for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Football will feature large throughout the programme with the young people volunteering on the Foundation’s coaching programmes, learning new football skills plus keeping fit by attending weekly coaching centres. It also includes a two day camping and orienteering expedition in Northumberland led by qualified expedition leaders.
The programme has launched at Newcastle United thanks to a partnership between The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Football League Trust. 23 Football Clubs are delivering DofE programmes and over 400 young people are registered on programmes.
Kate Bradley, Foundation Manager, said “Funding from the Football League Trust has enabled us to launch this new DofE programme. It means we can help a group of young people develop valuable skills and knowledge that will be a useful addition to their CV. The programme is held in high regard by both colleges and employers, particularly important in this climate of high unemployment among young people.”
Danny Guthrie said:"It is a pleasure for me to come along this evening and launch the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Programmes like this give youngsters a terrific grounding in life, build character and provide many 'life skills' that will prove invaluable in years to come. They all deserve great credit and I wish them every success in their ventures."
Photo: Danny Guthrie with a group of Foundation youngsters embarking on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award