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Chester FC Community Trust is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme. The club’s official charity has been shortlisted for a grant to support its Chester FC Pan-Disability Football programme, which provides children with learning, physical or sensory disabilities the chance to take part in weekly coaching sessions to develop their skills and make friends in a fun, safe environment. Stronger Starts provides grant awards of up to £1,500 to local community projects, with a particular focus on children and young people. Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive grant awards and Tesco customers can vote for the group they think should take away the top award in their local Tesco store. Tesco customers can vote for Chester FC Community Trust using a blue token given to them at the check-out each time they shop in the following stores: Chester Superstore Broughton Extra Chester Northgate Express Chester Sealand Road Superstore Delamere Street Chester Express Chester Weston Grove Express Chester Pepper Street Express Tesco’s Stronger Starts – previously known as Tesco Community Grants – has already provided over £117 million to more than 67,000 projects across Britain. This £5m Stronger Starts grant programme, delivered in partnership with Groundwork UK, helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and sports equipment for after school clubs. Claire de Silva, Tesco UK Head of Communities and Local Media, said:“Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too.” Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “As a community charity, we have seen first-hand how schools and other groups supporting young people have been playing a much bigger role in ensuring children are getting a healthy start to the day and getting access to spaces and services to support physical activity and mental health. Family budgets are tight and school budgets are tight, but it’s so important that children stay fed, fit and focused, so we’re delighted to be able to prioritise these activities alongside Tesco with the Stronger Starts programme.” Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts.
Join us in celebrating our Armed Forces community with a special pre-match event at Chester FC! Chester FC Community Trust is hosting a fun family event in the Fan Canopy at the Deva Stadium prior to the pre-season match against Salford City on Saturday 19th July. Between 12pm and 3pm, there will be stalls, activities, and food and drink available under the canopy, along with opportunities to show your support for the Armed Forces. The pre-game event is open to the public and free to attend. Then from 3pm, the action continues on the pitch as the Seals take on EFL outfit Salford in our first home friendly, and we are delighted to be offering free tickets for serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans. The Community Trust is inviting local organisations to be part of the pre-match celebration, whether they are interested in hosting a stall or delivering engagement activities. For more information, email community@chesterfc.com. Tickets for the match are available to buy online at www.chesterfc.com/tickets. Serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans can email community@chesterfc.com to secure their free tickets.
Chester FC Community Trust is hosting family fitness sessions this summer with a range of fun, accessible activities to choose from! Taking place across the school holidays at King George V Community Sports Hub, the programme aims to support local families to get moving and improve their health and wellbeing together. CLICK HERE TO BOOK The activities on offer are Circuits, Firm & Burn, Zumba, and free Wellbeing Walks. To encourage participation, children attend FREE with a paying adult and multiple children can attend with each adult, making it a fantastic and affordable way to keep active, support their wellbeing, and make the most of the summer holidays together. The whole family is welcome, including children, mums, dads, carers and grandparents. The activities have been designed for ages five and over, and we ask that children under the age of eight are accompanied by an adult during the sessions. Spaces are limited with booking now open and a full list of the activities available can be found below: Family Circuits Tuesday 29 July, 11am (45 mins) Tuesday 5 August, 11am (45 mins) Tuesday 19 August, 10.30am (45 mins) A fun, energetic workout designed for all ages and fitness levels. It combines cardio, strength training, and agility exercises in a dynamic circuit format, allowing families to bond while staying active. Each station is adjustable to accommodate everyone from kids to adults, ensuring a full-body workout that’s engaging and effective for the whole family. Perfect for creating healthy habits together! Firm & Burn Thursday 7 August, 1.30pm (30 mins) Tuesday 12 August, 10.30am (30 mins) Firm and Burn fitness classes are fun, high-energy sessions designed for the whole family! Enjoy a mix of strength and cardio exercises while bonding, building healthy habits, and staying active together. Fitness made simple, inclusive, and exciting for all ages! Zumba Thursday 14 August, 3.30pm (30 mins) Thursday 28 August, 3pm (30 mins) Guaranteed to get everyone moving, this high-energy, 30-minute workout is set to fun, upbeat! Perfect for all ages, this session combines easy-to-follow dance routines and energetic movements, helping families get fit while having a blast together. Whether you’re shaking, spinning, or grooving, it’s all about enjoying the rhythm and staying active. No experience needed—just bring your energy and get ready for a lively, feel-good time! Wellbeing Walks Thursday 31 July, 10am (60 mins) Thursday 7 August, 10am (60 mins) Thursday 14 August, 10am (60 mins) Thursday 21 August, 10am (60 mins) Join our Wellbeing Walks for a relaxed, friendly stroll that boosts your health and mood. Meet new people, enjoy the fresh air, and stay active—perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Walk, chat, and feel great together! CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Chester FC Community Trust is excited to be launching Mini Seals, a new Early Years football programme for children aged 18 months to three-years-old. Through fun-filled 30 minute sessions, Mini Seals will use innovative games and activities to introduce basic football and movement skills, build confidence, and develop social skills. Parent and carer participation is encouraged, so you can enjoy playing football with your child and being active together. Mini Seals sessions will take place on Wednesday mornings from 10.30am to 11am at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon, starting on Wednesday 2nd July. We are hosting three taster sessions in July, which will be FREE to attend, and you can email anna.price@chesterfc.com or kalvin.williams@chesterfc.com to register your interest now.
West Cheshire Credit Union has extended its sponsorship of the Chester FC Ball Crew for the upcoming 2025/26 season. The partnership with Chester FC Community Trust – the football club’s charitable arm – demonstrates West Cheshire Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities. By sponsoring the Ball Crew – an integral part of matchday operations at Chester FC – the credit union is investing in the next generation of football supporters and volunteers. The sponsorship will see West Cheshire Credit Union’s branding featured on the Ball Crew’s kit throughout the 2025/26 season, while there are also plans for community initiatives and matchday experiences designed to highlight the services offered by West Cheshire Credit Union. Neil Jay, CEO of West Cheshire Credit Union, said: “We have held a long-standing relationship with Chester FC and we understand the important part the club has to play in the local and wider community. Bringing people together and mutuality is much the same as our philosophy and therefore we are aligned in many ways. “A small gesture from ourselves has helped the ball crew in some way and we are proud to have an association with the club. I have kept a close eye on this season’s campaign and I must pass on my congratulations to the team, backroom staff and all involved for an outstanding conclusion to the season. Here’s to further success in 2025-26!” Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to West Cheshire Credit Union for their generous support. The Ball Crew plays a vital role on matchdays, and this partnership not only helps ensure our young volunteers look the part on matchdays, but also strengthens our connection with a respected local organisation dedicated to supporting local families.” The Chester FC Ball Crew is welcoming new team members for matchdays at the Deva Stadium. Open to boys and girls aged 8-15, this important pitchside role requires you to retrieve the ball during games and return it to the players safely so the match can continue. You’ll need to be physically fit, comfortable interacting with the players and working outdoors in different weather conditions, and a good role model for the football club. If you’re interested, please complete the registration form here or email community@chesterfc.com for more information.
Entries are now open for Chester FC Community Trust’s inter-school football competitions for the 2025/26 academic year! We are hosting six events for local primary schools, which are free to enter and schools are welcome to attend as many as they wish, although each school can only enter one team per competition. All events will be played at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon on Wednesday mornings, with arrival from 10am with play starting at 10.30am. For the National League Trust Under 11s Schools Cup, the winning teams will progress to the regional stage and represent Chester FC, with the chance to qualify for the national final, which is played at Wembley Stadium. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM If you have any questions or would like more information, please email community@chesterfc.com.
Chester FC Community Trust is hosting Goalkeeping Camps and Girls Soccer Schools over the summer holidays with booking now open! Our camps provide youngsters with the chance to take part in a range of fun activities with Community Trust coaches, helping them keep active, meet friends and develop their skills. Chester FC Goalkeeping Camp Monday 4th August 10am to 2pm at King George V Community Sports Hub (CH1 5BD) Monday 11th August 10am to 2pm at King George V Community Sports Hub (CH1 5BD) Chester FC Girls Soccer School Monday 4th August 10am to 2pm at King George V Community Sports Hub (CH1 5BD) Monday 11th August 10am to 2pm at King George V Community Sports Hub (CH1 5BD) Our camps cost £18 per day and places for each session are limited with early booking encouraged. If for any reason an event is unable to go ahead or you cannot attend, you will receive a full refund. Children are requested to arrive ready to play in kit and bring appropriate footwear, waterproof jacket, a drink and a packed lunch in a labelled bag or lunchbox. BOOK BEFORE JUNE 30 FOR THE EARLY BIRD PRICE OF £15 PER DAY Bookings can be made using the link below. CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW If you have any questions or would like more information, please email community@chesterfc.com.
The Chester FC School Season Ticket scheme is returning for 2025/26, with local schools now invited to sign up for a free family season ticket! Hundreds of families have benefited from the initiative, which provides participating schools with two adult and two child season tickets, since it was launched in 2021/22. Chester FC and Chester FC Community Trust are delighted to again be offering every primary and secondary school in the local area the chance for their families to watch every National League North game at the Deva Stadium. Schools can use the tickets to reward or incentivise pupils, or provide families who might not otherwise be able to attend fixtures, the opportunity to enjoy a day out at a match. The scheme is made possible thanks to the efforts of fans in contributing to the Boost the Budget campaign, helping donate hundreds of child season tickets to the Community Trust. The School Season Ticket initiative forms a key part of the Club and Community Trust’s commitment to encourage more children and families to watch their local team through affordable pricing, community engagement and an enjoyable matchday experience. Schools who would like to access a free family season ticket for 2025/26 can apply online. CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Chester FC Community Trust has an exciting opportunity for a Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist within our women’s and girls’ section, working with Chester FC Women and the Chester FC Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre. This is a paid role and the successful candidate will provide treatment and rehabilitation to players, including pitchside and take-home prevention interventions, and liaise with coaching staff regarding players’ injury status and availability. The ideal candidate will have a sports therapy degree or equivalent qualification, experience in a similar role within sport, and appropriate medical indemnity and insurance. They will also hold an FA Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) qualification, FA safeguarding certificates, and be approachable to players, staff, coaches, and parents/carers. The successful applicant will be required to attend Chester FC Women first team fixtures on Sundays, weekly ETC training sessions on Mondays from 5.30pm-7pm and lead a weekly clinic for players, on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a full UK driving licence would be an advantage. Please note you will not be an employee of Chester FC Community Trust, but will be engaged as a contractor. Consequently, this is a self-employed position, and you will be required to make the appropriate tax and national insurance payments from the gross payment. Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist Responsibilities • Attendance at training sessions and matches . • Assess and manage injuries and illnesses to players. • Design and deliver individual injury prevention programmes. • Deliver or oversee treatment for players needing ongoing rehabilitation through the off-season. • Keep records which meet the standard required by The FA and the appropriate professional bodies. • Conduct medical screening of players. • Manage referrals for players to relevant persons. • Communicate with parents/carers in the event of physiotherapy / sports therapy queries, generally, and specifically to their children. • Ensure coaches and staff are aware of rules and best practice for adequate physiotherapy/sports therapy provision (e.g., access, equipment, insurance). • Ensure treatment areas are kept clean and tidy, identify any health and safety risks and pass these on to appropriate members of the team. • Advise and direct other staff on the needs of players. • Educate coaches on the physiotherapy/sports therapy provision, and how to help players get the best from it. • In conjunction with colleagues, design site emergency action plans for training and match venues. • Provide support based on each individual player’s needs; treat the person as well as the injury. • Work with the Safeguarding Lead to ensure that the wellbeing and welfare of all players and staff. • Assist coaches and staff with administrative activities such as injury audits. HOW TO APPLY Please submit a covering letter together with your CV marked for the attention of Kalvin Williams via kalvin.williams@chesterfc.com. The closing date for applications is Friday 20th June 2025.
The ever‑popular Chester FC Soccer School returns this summer, offering five exciting weeks of football development and fun for kids aged 5–15. Whether your child is just starting out or refining their game, our qualified and experienced coaches will help them stay active, improve their skills, and make new friends. BOOK BEFORE JUNE 30 FOR THE EARLY BIRD PRICE OF £15 PER DAY Our camps start at 10am and finish 3pm with places costing £18 per day. Spaces for each day are limited and early booking is encouraged. If for any reason an event is unable to go ahead or you cannot attend, you will receive a full refund. Children are requested to arrive ready to play in kit and bring appropriate footwear, waterproof jacket, a drink and a packed lunch in a labelled bag or lunchbox. CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW If you have any questions or would like more information, please email community@chesterfc.com. CHESTER FC SOCCER SCHOOL SUMMER 2025 Monday 28th July to Friday 1st August Monday 4th August to Friday 8th August Monday 11th August to Friday 15th August Monday 18th August to Friday 22nd August Tuesday 26th August to Friday 29th August 10am to 3pm at Goals Soccer Centre with drop off and pick up at Deva Stadium