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Chester FC Community Trust and Big Yellow Self Storage Chester are celebrating 10 years working together this month. Chester’s leading self-storage provider, based on Sealand Road, have provided the Trust with free storage since 2016 to help with the many initiatives that they provide throughout the Community. Jeff Banks, business development manager at Big Yellow Chester, said: “We’re proud to support the Community Trust who do so much great work in the local area over the past 10 years and we have been delighted to see them grow over the past decade to what they have become today. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Community Trust going forward.” The Community Trust also support Big Yellow Chester’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps deliver many new toys and gifts to under privileged children and family charities, as well as the children’s ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Jim Green, CEO of the Community Trust, said: “Big Yellow’s support is hugely valuable to the Community Trust and the work we deliver across Chester and the surrounding area. Having access to free storage has helped us deliver a wide range of community initiatives, making a real difference to local people and ensuring we can make the most of the resources available to us. “We’re incredibly grateful to Jeff and the team at Big Yellow Chester for their continued generosity and commitment to our work. Our partnership is a great example of how local businesses can play an important role in supporting their communities, and we’re proud to have worked together for the past decade. We look forward to building on this relationship over the coming years.” For further information on self-storage with Big Yellow, please visit www.bigyellow.co.uk
This October, Chester FC Community Trust is supporting Restart a Heart Day, helping people learn the lifesaving skills needed to restart a heart while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. We’re pleased to be hosting two FREE CPR awareness sessions at King George V Community Sports Hub on Friday 16 October. Date: Friday 16 October Venue: King George V Sports Hub, Blacon, CH1 5BD Session 1: 9:15am–10:00am Session 2: 10:30am–11:15am Why does it matter? Around 40,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK every year – more than 100 people every day. Early CPR can double the chances of survival, while every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by around 10%. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere – and knowing what to do could help save the life of a friend, family member, colleague or stranger. The sessions are completely FREE, with places limited to 10 people per session. Whether you’ve never learned CPR before or simply want to refresh your knowledge, come along and learn a skill that really could make a difference. Places are limited, so get in touch to find out more or reserve your place now through the link below. For further details, email community@chesterfc.com. BOOK FREE CPR TRAINING
Football fans and sports enthusiasts are invited to take a trip down memory lane this October as Chester FC Club Historian Chas Sumner takes part in Storyhouse Elders. Storyhouse Elders returns to Chester this October with five days of community, connection and creativity, bringing people together through a programme of talks, performances, crafts, singing, dancing, screenings and more. As part of the festival, Chas will lead Football and Sporting Memories at Storyhouse on Tuesday 13 October, offering a chance for sports fans to come together, share memories and reminisce about the sporting moments, people and places that have meant something to them over the years. Football & Sporting Memories Tuesday 13 October 10:30am Garret Theatre, Storyhouse Chas will bring along a fascinating collection of photographs, newspaper clippings and sporting memorabilia, with plenty of opportunities for attendees to share their own memories and stories. Whether your sporting memories are centred around Chester FC, local football, national sporting heroes or simply the games and moments you’ve enjoyed over the years, this promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable morning of conversation and nostalgia. And don’t forget – you’re encouraged to bring along your own photographs, newspaper cuttings or memorabilia to help spark conversations and bring memories back to life. Storyhouse Elders is designed with older members of Chester’s community in mind, but everyone is welcome to take part. Best of all, all Storyhouse Elders events are FREE or Pay What You Can. Book your place Football & Sporting Memories takes place at 10:30am on Tuesday 13 October at Storyhouse. To find out more and book your place, visit storyhouse.com/elders or call the Storyhouse Box Office team on 01244 409113. Come along, bring your memories and enjoy a morning celebrating the sporting stories that connect generations of our community.
Congratulations to our Chester FC Over 50s Men’s Walking Football team, who have been crowned Iberian International Cup champions in Spain! The team, who joined Chester FC Community Trust this summer, play regular fixtures across Cheshire and Lancashire and are proudly sponsored by Smurfit Westrock. The squad travelled to Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca to compete against teams from across Europe over two days of action. Remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and conceding just three goals across seven games, the Blues overcame some strong opposition to reach the final, where they held their nerve to win the trophy on penalties. As well as providing a fantastic opportunity to compete on the international stage, the tournament was also about bringing players together from different countries and celebrating the fitness, friendship and enjoyment that walking football provides. Want to get involved? Chester FC Community Trust runs weekly walking football sessions for both men and women, with new players always welcome. Whether you’re looking to play competitively or simply want to enjoy the game in a friendly and social environment, walking football is a great way to keep active, meet new people and enjoy your football. If you’d like to get involved, email community@chesterfc.com or register your interest using the link below. Our team will then contact you with everything you need to know before your first session. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Make this October half-term one to remember with our Football Holiday Camps! Chester FC Community Trust and Goals Chester are teaming up for five action-packed days of football, sports, games, competitions, creativity and plenty of fun from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October. Whether your child is football-mad, loves trying different sports or simply wants to spend their school holiday making new friends and having fun, there’s something for everyone. BOOK NOW FOR OCTOBER HALF-TERM 2026 Five days of fun, games and football Previously known as our Soccer Schools, our Football Holiday Camps combine the expertise of Chester FC Community Trust’s FA-qualified coaches with top class facilities at Goals Chester. Running from 9am to 3pm, every day is packed with opportunities for children to get active, learn new skills, make friends and, most importantly, have a brilliant time. Alongside our football sessions, children can get involved in a whole host of activities including: • Football coaching and games • Tennis • Multi-sports • Dodgeball • Creative crafts • Daily competitions and challenges • Plenty of games, fun and surprises With something different happening throughout the day, children won’t just be sitting on the sidelines – they’ll be playing, creating, competing, learning and having fun from start to finish. Get involved, have fun and win! We want every child to leave camp with a smile – and hopefully a few stories to tell! Throughout the week, children will have the chance to take part in daily competitions and challenges, with prizes, certificates and trophies up for grabs. Whether they’re scoring the winning goal, showing off their skills, trying a new sport or supporting their teammates, there are plenty of opportunities for children to get involved and celebrate their achievements. It’s not all about being the best – it’s about having a go, building confidence and enjoying being part of the team. We’ve got lunch covered Keeping children fuelled for a busy day is important, which is why a healthy selection of hot and cold lunches, fresh fruit and snacks is provided every day. That means children can concentrate on having fun, while parents have one less thing to organise during the school holidays. Perfect for every child You don’t need to be the next football superstar to join us. Our Football Holiday Camps are designed to be fun, welcoming and accessible, whether your child already plays football every weekend or simply enjoys being active and trying something new. It’s a chance to spend the school holidays making new friends October Half-Term 2026 Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 9am – 3pm Goals Chester £20 per day for paid places Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on a week packed with football, fun, friends and unforgettable moments! For more information or if you have any questions, please email community@chesterfc.com or call 07512 355396. BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW This October half-term, get active. Make friends. Try something new. And have a ball!
Looking for a fun, energetic way to improve your fitness and strength? Chester FC Community Trust is launching a new Kettlebell Class at King George V Sports Hub in Blacon, starting Tuesday 29 September. The 45-minute sessions are suitable for beginners and those with some previous experience, making them a great option whether you’re completely new to kettlebell training or looking to add something different to your weekly fitness routine. Sessions will focus on learning the correct form and techniques while working the whole body through a functional workout that is energetic, challenging and, most importantly, fun. No previous kettlebell training is needed and all equipment is provided. Kettlebell Class 📅 Tuesdays ⏰ 6:00pm–6:45pm 📍 King George V Sports Hub, Blacon, CH1 5BD 👥 Ages 16+ 💷 £5 per person The class begins on Tuesday 29 September, with spaces available to book now. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve your fitness, try something new or simply enjoy being active in a friendly environment, come along and give kettlebell training a go. BOOK CLASSES ONLINE For more information, contact anna.price@chesterfc.com, call 01244 560580 or WhatsApp 07308 477055.
Aspiring footballers, coaches and sports professionals are being invited to discover the opportunities available through the Chester FC Football Education Programme, with recruitment now underway for the 2027/28 academic year. Designed for young people aged 16–19, the two-year programme offers students the opportunity to combine a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Development & Coaching, equivalent to three A-Levels, with a specialist football development pathway. Delivered in partnership with Access Sport, the programme provides a unique opportunity to study, train and develop within a professional football environment, with students supported to build the skills, knowledge and experience they need for their next step. DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST ENTRY PROSPECTUS Two pathways. One football environment. Students can choose between two specialist pathways depending on their ambitions: Elite Football Scholarship For talented young footballers looking to maximise their potential on the pitch, the Elite Football Scholarship pathway combines full-time education with a comprehensive football development programme. Students represent Chester FC across the National League U19 Alliance and FA Youth Cup, while working towards the standards required to progress into senior football. The programme places a strong emphasis on individual player development, with students supported through Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and a combination of technical, tactical, physical, social and psychological development. Players also benefit from performance technology including Veo video analysis, GPS technology and Sport Session Planner, helping them understand and improve their performance in a modern football environment. The pathway provides a proven route towards the Chester FC first team, while also supporting players who may progress into other professional, semi-professional or university football opportunities. Football & Coaching Development For students who want to develop as footballers while building a future in the game, the Football & Coaching Development pathway provides an opportunity to turn a passion for football and sport into a future career. Students follow a structured football development programme, with regular training and fixtures designed to develop their technical, tactical, physical and game-understanding skills. They will also develop practical coaching experience alongside their academic studies, with opportunities to gain industry qualifications, develop their understanding of performance and sports development, and gain valuable hands-on experience within a professional football environment. The pathway can support students interested in careers including football coaching, sports development, performance analysis, sports science and community sport, with learning shaped around their individual career ambitions. Recruitment Events Throughout the year, we will host recruitment events at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon, giving prospective students, parents and carers the opportunity to find out more about the programme. The events provide an opportunity to meet our team, learn about our pathways, take part in practical sessions and assessment trials, and ask questions about progression, qualifications and future opportunities. Monday 26th October 2026 | 17:30-19:00 Monday 21st December 2026 | 17:30-19:00 Monday 15th February 2027 | 17:30-19:00 Thursday 1st April 2027 | 17:30-19:00 Friday 4th June 2027 | 17:30-19:00 REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THE CHESTER FC FOOTBALL EDUCATION PROGRAMME A pathway into the football industry The Chester FC Football Education Programme offers much more than a traditional college experience. Students learn within a real football club and community environment, combining classroom-based study with practical experience, football development, coaching, industry qualifications and opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals. Depending on their ambitions, students can progress into professional and semi-professional football, university, USA football scholarships, apprenticeships, coaching qualifications or employment within the sports industry. For aspiring players, the assessment process also provides an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to our coaching team. Players identified as having the potential to progress will be invited to further assessment opportunities alongside players from Premier League and EFL academy environments later in the season. Take your next step with Chester FC Whether your ambition is to play at the highest level, become a football coach, work in performance or build a career in sport, the Chester FC Football Education Programme provides an environment in which you can develop both on and off the pitch. To find out more about the Chester FC Football Education Programme, click here or email community@chesterfc.com.
A team from the Westminster Foundation and Grosvenor recently rolled up their sleeves to help give the pavilion at King George V Community Sports Hub a fresh new look. The team joined us as part of a corporate volunteering day, helping to paint and refresh the facility and create a brighter, more welcoming environment for the young people who use it. The pavilion, which was once a disused building, has been transformed into a dedicated learning space supporting our Football Education and forms an important part of the wider King George V Community Sports Hub. The Hub has become a thriving centre for sport, education, health and wellbeing and community activity since opening in 2022. The five-year partnership between Chester FC Community Trust and the Westminster Foundation has played an important role in helping the Trust develop its programmes and reach more people across the local community. Corporate volunteering can provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make a practical contribution to their local community while also bringing colleagues together outside of the workplace. For the Trust, the support provided by businesses can make a real and visible difference – whether that is helping to improve our facilities, supporting community activities or contributing skills, time and expertise. Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Westminster Foundation and Grosvenor team for giving up their time to support us. “The work they have carried out has made a real difference to the pavilion and the environment we can provide for the young people who use the space. “Corporate volunteering is a great way for businesses to get involved with their local community. It’s not just about the practical work that can be achieved; it’s also about bringing people together and creating a lasting positive impact. “We’d love to hear from other businesses who are looking for meaningful volunteering opportunities and want to support the work of Chester FC Community Trust.” There are a range of ways businesses can support the Trust through corporate volunteering, depending on the interests, skills and availability of their team. Opportunities could include helping to improve and maintain community facilities and spaces, getting involved with selected events, activities and programmes, team volunteering days, sharing professional knowledge and experience to support the development of our charity, and working with the Trust on initiatives that create a positive impact for local people. As the official charity and club community organisation for Chester Football Club, we use the power of sport and the Chester FC brand to inspire and improve communities through sport, education, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion. Our work currently spans more than 30 community programmes, with our activities generating significant social value across Cheshire West and Chester. If your business is looking for a meaningful corporate volunteering opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Whether you have a small team looking for a few hours of volunteering or are interested in developing a longer-term partnership, we can explore opportunities that match your team’s interests and skills with the needs of our community. Email community@chesterfc.com to find out more about corporate volunteering with Chester FC Community Trust.
Entries are now open for Chester FC Community Trust’s inter-school football competitions for the 2026/27 academic year! We’re inviting local primary schools to take part in six exciting football competitions, all hosted at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon. The competitions provide pupils with the opportunity to represent their school, enjoy competitive football, develop their skills and experience playing against other schools from across the local area. Key Information All competitions are: • Free to enter • Open to local primary schools • Held on Wednesday mornings • Hosted at King George V Community Sports Hub, Blacon • Open for schools to enter as many competitions as they wish • Limited to one team per school, per competition Arrival: From 10am Kick-off: 10.30am Tournament Dates Wednesday 14th October 2025 – National League Trust U11s Schools Cup Mixed (Year 5/6) Wednesday 21st October 2025 – National League Trust U11s Schools Cup Girls (Year 5/6) Wednesday 21st April 2027 – Chester FC Schools Cup Mixed Year 3/4) Wednesday 28th April 2027 – Chester FC Schools Cup Girls (Year 3/4) Wednesday 16th June 2027 – Chester FC Mini Kickers Cup Mixed (Year 1/2) Wednesday 23rd June 2027 – Chester FC Mini Kickers Cup Girls (Year 1/2) Chance to play at Wembley The National League Trust Under-11s Schools Cup offers an exciting opportunity for participating schools. The winning team will progress to the regional stage, representing Chester FC, with the potential to go all the way to the national final at Wembley Stadium. It’s a fantastic chance for young players to experience competitive football while representing their school and Chester FC on a national stage. How to Enter Places are limited, so schools are encouraged to register their interest and enter as soon as possible. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM If you have any questions or would like further information about the competitions, please contact the Chester FC Community Trust team at community@chesterfc.com.
Chester FC Community Trust is delighted to launch the 2026 Halloween Cup, a new tournament during October half-term exclusively for Under 8s teams. Played at King George V Sports Hub, the event will provide youngsters with a morning of fun, competitive football – and it is hoped this will be the first in a series of Community Trust tournaments for other age groups. • Quality 3G pitch • Two trophies to play for • Every team guaranteed a minimum of four 10 minute games • Open to grassroots, affiliated teams only • Hot & cold refreshments available • Free parking Entry is £50 per team. With 16 spaces available, teams are encouraged to register early to avoid missing out. ENTER YOUR TEAM Whether you’re looking for a fun half-term activity or a chance to test your team against new opposition, the Chester FC Halloween Cup promises to be a fantastic morning for players, coaches and families. Tournament Details Age group: U8s (2026/27 season) Format: 5v5 (Maximum 10 players per squad) Date: Saturday 31 October 2026 Venue: King George V Sports Hub, Blacon Avenue, Chester CH1 5BD Timings: 9am – 12pm Entry: £50 per team For further information, email community@chesterfc.com or enter now by clicking here.