PUBLISHED
16:41 15th January 2014
by Joel Essex
We are delighted to be one of the Homeless FA's 2014 regional training centres and we hope to build on the success of last year's centre here"
Stuart Christie
Brighton & Hove Albion and Albion in the Community have been selected for the second year running to host a regional football training centre for young homeless people.Stuart Christie
Albion, along with Arsenal, Manchester United and seven other professional clubs have been selected for the Homeless FA programme.*
Those attending the football and personal development programme will get the chance to gain an accredited Level One Sports Leaders qualification and take part in football sessions led by AITC coaching staff. They will also get a*
VIP players’ experience which includes a training kit, a behind the scenes stadium tour, a certificate of participation from the football club, and a ‘hero’ portrait, taken in team kit.*
Last year four young people who took part in the programme at the Amex went on to represent the England national homeless teams with Nicole Webley skippering the women’s side at the Homeless World Cup in Poland.*
Players on this year’s course could be selected for the Homeless World Cup which this year takes place in Chile.
Albion in the Community's head of inclusion Stuart Christie told seagulls.co.uk, “We are delighted to be one of the Homeless FA's 2014 regional training centres and we hope to build on the success of last year's centre here.
“The five week programme is a fantastic opportunity for any young person from a homeless background to come to the Amex, develop new skills, meet new people, gain a qualification and possibly get the chance to represent their country at football.”*
Applications are now open to those who have experienced homelessness in the last year. Organisations working with the local homeless community are also being encouraged to recruit possible participants.
Applications can be made through the Homeless FA website, with the deadline for submissions on 28th February 2014. Priority is being given to players who have not already attended a Homeless FA Training Centre.
The five week programme takes place between the 16th April and 14th May.
Original article