During October half-term, Chester FC Community Trust welcomed 120 children to the Deva Stadium for a Chester FC Soccer School.

 

Delivered in line with Government guidance, the holiday club gave youngsters the opportunity to get active and play football with qualified coaches in a Covid-safe environment. Additional measures in place included temperature checks, regular handwashing, sanitising of equipment and children grouped in bubbles.

 

The week included a goalkeeper session with Chester FC keeper Louis Gray and coaching from Blues players George Waring and Harrison Burke.

 

For the first time the Community Trust was able to offer subsidised places for children eligible for free school meals and provide them with a healthy lunch thanks to a grant from the Welcome Network.

 

 

Jim Green, CEO of the Community Trust, said: “We had a fantastic week and it was great to see children playing at the Deva, having fun and keeping active in the school holidays.

 

“Activities like this are hugely important for children’s physical and mental health, and we are grateful to Chester FC and our partners whose support enables us to offer this holiday provision.

 

“We are really pleased to be working with the Welcome Network to help families who access free school meals with 45 children taking up subsidised places and will be looking to develop this partnership further moving forwards.”

 

The Community Trust is now planning its holiday provision for the Christmas break and, subject to national restrictions, hopes to announce details in the near future.