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Look the part when attending Chester FC Community Trust programmes with our new training kit, produced in partnership with the Club’s technical kit partner Hope + Glory. The limited edition kit includes mint training shirt, black and white shorts and black socks, and is perfect for young footballers who want to train in style at Community Trust sessions. If you’re a participant in a Community Trust programme, or a parent or carer who wants to buy a training kit for a child, email community@chesterfc.com to request the access code. SHOP ONLINE Please note garments are branded to order and dispatched direct from Hope + Glory. For a full size guide, please visit hopeandglory.co.uk/size-guide. Frequently Asked Questions What’s available? The training kit includes shirt, shorts and socks. Are items sold individually? No, these items can only be purchased as a training kit back. Is there a goalkeepers kit? There is no separate kit for goalkeepers. Is the kit optional? Yes, the training kit is entirely optional. Who can I speak to about the kit? If you have any questions, email community@chesterfc.com. If your query relates to dispatch times or returns, please visit club.hgsportswear.co.uk/delivery-returns.
Chester FC Community Trust is seeking to appoint a Goalkeeping Coach to work within the Chester FC Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre (ETC). The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality, age-appropriate goalkeeping coaching sessions, working closely with the Player Development Lead to implement the Girls’ ETC technical programme. The Goalkeeping Coach will also collaborate with the ETC Manager and wider coaching team to support the holistic development of high-performing female goalkeepers, both on and off the pitch. Role Details • Position: Lead Coach (U12s or U16s) • Hours: 1.5 hours per week • Programme length: 30-week training programme (September to June) • Training nights: Mondays • Additional commitment: Games programme during school holidays Candidate Requirements Applicants must hold: • FA Level 2 (UEFA C) Coaching Football qualification (minimum) • Goalkeeping-specific coaching qualification • FA First Aid and Safeguarding certificates • Experience coaching goalkeepers, ideally within the female game • A strong understanding of the England Women’s Player Pathway Desirable Attributes • Excellent communication and organisational skills • A player-centred coaching approach • Knowledge of modern goalkeeping principles and player development practices • Commitment to long-term player development within the women’s game A competitive hourly rate dependent on qualifications and experience is offered, along with additional renumeration of £20 per home fixture and £40 per away fixture. We also offer Chester FC uniform, support with CPD and training, and a fantastic opportunity to take on a key role within a successful club community organisation. Appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a full UK driving licence would be an advantage. Girls ETC Lead Coach Responsibilities • Create and deliver high-quality goalkeeping coaching sessions to girls within the ETC, enabling players to attain the highest levels of performance possible in a safe, secure and supportive environment. • Implement goalkeeper-specific training programmes in line with the Chester FC Girls ETC curriculum and playing philosophy. • Support the integration of goalkeepers into team training and match environments, working collaboratively with age-group coaches. • Monitor goalkeeper development and provide feedback on player progress through relevant and achievable individual development plans following the player review process. • Observe and support goalkeepers during fixtures and games programme activities where required. • Carry out administrative duties as required, including but not limited to attendance registers, risk assessments and evaluation of coaching sessions. • Be responsible for the welfare of goalkeepers within the designated age groups. • Contribute to a positive learning environment where every player is welcomed, challenged and supported through a systematic approach to talent identification and development. • Work alongside the ETC Manager and Player Development Lead to ensure goalkeepers receive the best possible experience and appropriate development opportunities across the FA’s Four Corner Model. • Ensure effective communication between all departments and stakeholders, including parents, is maintained throughout the season. • Adhere to FA safeguarding and equality policies and procedures, and FA and ETC codes of conduct at all times. HOW TO APPLY Please submit a covering letter together with your CV marked for the attention of CEO Jim Green via jim.green@chesterfc.com. The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd July 2026.
Chester FC Community Trust is seeking to appoint an U14s Lead Coach to work within the Chester FC Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre (ETC). The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality coaching sessions, working closely with the Player Development Lead to implement the Girls’ ETC technical programme. Coaches will also collaborate with the ETC Manager and wider coaching team to support the holistic development of high-performing female players, both on and off the pitch. Role Details • Position: Lead Coach U14s • Hours: 1.5 hours per week • Programme length: 30-week training programme (September to June) • Training nights: Mondays • U14s: 5:30pm – 7:00pm • Additional commitment: Games programme during school holidays Candidate Requirements Applicants must hold: • FA Level 2 (UEFA C) Coaching Football qualification (minimum) • FA First Aid and Safeguarding certificates • Experience coaching female players • A strong understanding of the England Women’s Player Pathway Desirable Attributes • Excellent communication and organisational skills • A player-centred coaching approach • Commitment to long-term player development within the women’s game A competitive hourly rate dependent on qualifications and experience is offered, along with additional renumeration of £20 per home fixture and £40 per away fixture. We also offer Chester FC uniform, support with CPD and training, and a fantastic opportunity to take on a key role within a successful club community organisation. Appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and a full UK driving licence would be an advantage. Girls ETC Lead Coach Responsibilities • Create and deliver high quality coaching sessions to girls in the designated age group, to attain the highest levels of performance possible in a safe, secure and supportive environment. • Implement the training and games programmes in line with the Chester FC Girls ETC curriculum. • Monitor player development and provide feedback on player progress through relevant and achievable individual development plans following the completion of player review process. • Carry out administrative duties as required, including but not limited to, attendance registers, risk assessments, evaluation of coaching sessions. • Be responsible for the welfare of players within the designated age group. • Contribute to a positive learning environment where any player is welcome, and development is encouraged via a systemic approach to identify emerging talent. • Work alongside the ETC Manager and Player Development Lead to ensure players are receiving the best experience possible to support each individual develop appropriately across the FA’s four corners. • Ensure effective communication between all departments and stakeholders, including parents, is continuous throughout the season. • Adhere to FA safeguarding and equality policies and procedures, and FA and ETC codes of conduct at all times HOW TO APPLY Please submit a covering letter together with your CV marked for the attention of CEO Jim Green via jim.green@chesterfc.com. The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd July 2026.
Chester FC Community Trust is supporting Loneliness Awareness Week, a global campaign hosted by leading loneliness charity Marmalade Trust. Loneliness Awareness Week is the world’s largest campaign to inspire conversations about loneliness, and promote connection activities happening across the world. At Chester FC Community Trust, we believe that nobody should feel alone. Through a range of inclusive programmes and activities, we provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet others, stay active and become part of a supportive community. Our sessions are about much more than football or sport. They are places where friendships are formed, confidence is built and people can develop a real sense of belonging. Programmes helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation include: Walking Football, which brings together older adults and football enthusiasts in a friendly, welcoming environment where participants can stay active and socialise. Mental Health & Wellbeing Football, offering a safe and supportive space where people can improve both their physical and mental wellbeing while connecting with others who may have shared experiences. Wellbeing Walks, providing opportunities to enjoy gentle exercise, conversation and companionship in a relaxed outdoor setting. The positive impact of these programmes extends far beyond the sessions themselves. Many participants tell us they have developed lasting friendships, improved their confidence and found a renewed sense of purpose. If you are looking to meet new people, become more active or simply feel more connected to your local community, we would love to welcome you to one of our sessions. For more information, contact Chester FC Community Trust on 01244 560580 or email community@chesterfc.com. If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness, support is available. Organisations including Campaign to End Loneliness, Age UK and Mind offer advice, resources and support for people experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Chester FC supporters and participants in Community Trust programmes are encouraged to get involved in an important new project exploring men’s mental health and wellbeing. Working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and artist Mark Titchner, the Breaking the Stigma project aims to challenge the barriers that can prevent men from seeking support during difficult times and major life events. Across the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, which is sadly reflected in Cheshire West and Chester. Mark has already worked with men in Northwich and Ellesmere Port, creating powerful shadow portraits inspired by their experiences. These artworks have appeared in venues across both towns and explore themes of visibility, connection and the importance of talking openly about mental health. Now, the project is coming to Chester, with plans being developed for a significant new public artwork in the city centre. As a community-focused football club, Chester FC understands the role football, friendship and shared experiences can play in supporting mental wellbeing. We know that many of our supporters and programme participants will have been affected by suicide, whether through personal experiences, supporting someone in crisis, or the loss of a family member, friend or fellow supporter, and we want to ensure these voices help shape the future of this project. The Community Trust is faciliating an online focus group session on Thursday 25 June at 7:30pm. The session is is expected to last around 45-60 minutes and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, hear from artist Mark Titchner and share your views on how a new public artwork could reflect the experiences of men in Chester. To register for the session, please email community@chesterfc.com. By taking part, you’ll help shape a project that aims to spark conversations, challenge stigma and ensure men’s experiences are seen, heard and represented within our community.
Thank you to everyone who entered the Chester FC Community Trust 2026 World Cup Sweepstake. The random draw has now been completed with entrants allocated their team for the tournament using an online generator. The top three finishers will receive a cash prize as follows: £140 – Winner £70 – Runner-up £30 – Third Place The remaining proceeds will directly support the Community Trust’s work to inspire and improve Cheshire West communities through sport, education, health & wellbeing, and social inclusion. Thank you for your support and good luck!
Four Football Clubs across Cheshire and Merseyside are launching an innovative programme designed to support people living with cancer. At a time when individuals are at their most vulnerable, the Versus Cancer programme will provide physical, mental and emotional support. Following the success of the programme across Lancashire, the EFL has teamed up with Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) and local hospital Trusts to roll the programme across four football club charities – Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Everton and Chester. Versus Cancer offers both free ‘prehabilitation’ and ‘rehabilitation’ sessions to support adults get into the best possible condition when preparing for and recovering from cancer surgery or treatment. This flagship initiative combines tailored exercise, along with hints and tips for leading a healthier lifestyle all in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. with social and emotional support, helping to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Each weekly session combines physical activity with social connection, mental and emotional wellbeing support ensuring a holistic approach to pre-treatment preparation and recovery. Participants enjoy coffee and conversation, giving them an opportunity to connect with others and share experiences in a non-clinical and more relaxing environment. Versus Cancer stands as a powerful reminder that facing cancer is not only a physical battle, but an emotional one too. By combining expert guidance with genuine human connection, the programme aims to make a lasting difference – helping people not only to cope, but to maximise recovery, to believe, and ultimately, to live well. Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, commented: “Versus Cancer is a great example of the National Cancer Plan coming to life and shows the important role that Football Club charities can play in supporting. A big part of the programme is that it takes place away from a clinical setting – at a Football Club, which is a trusted organisation within the local community and naturally has a very different feel to a hospital. Versus Cancer is more than just exercise; for many, it is a lifeline, reducing isolation by bringing together like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and truly understand what each other is going through. We are delighted to be working with CMCA on this project to help people at a time when they need our support most.” CMCA is an NHS organisation that improves cancer services, care and outcomes through partnerships across the region. Mr Declan Dunne, Pancreatic Cancer Surgeon and Lead for Prehabilitation at CMCA, said: “Prehabilitation and rehabilitation empower patients to make a positive difference to their cancer journey and should be a key part of their care. I am delighted that we have this partnership with the EFL and local football clubs to bring these benefits to more patients.” CMCA Managing Director Jon Hayes added: “We are incredibly grateful to the EFL and the individual clubs for opening their facilities to cancer patients. I am sure Versus Cancer will prove to be a very successful partnership and improve the quality of life for people at various stages of their treatment and care.” Programme delivery begins in June 2026 and will run for 12 months. Patients aged 18 and over will be able to self-refer onto sessions, and oncologists, surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, multi-disciplinary teams, clinical reference groups and Macmillan staff will also have access to all relevant information regarding sessions taking place at local clubs to signpost relevant patients into the programme. For more information about the Versus Cancer programme delivered by Chester FC Community Trust, click here or email community@chesterfc.com.
Support Chester FC Community Trust and add some extra excitement to this summer’s football with the our 2026 World Cup Sweepstake. For just £10 per entry, you will be randomly allocated a team in the tournament, with cash prizes available for the top three finishers. £140 – Winner £70 – Runner-up £30 – Third Place The remaining proceeds will directly support the Community Trust’s work to inspire and improve Cheshire West communities through sport, education, health & wellbeing, and social inclusion. To enter, follow the link below to pay the £10 entry free and include your contact email address in the notes section so we can let you when the draw takes place. CLICK HERE TO ENTER Whether you’re hoping to draw one of the tournament favourites or land an underdog story, every entry will help the Community Trust continue delivering important programmes within our community. There are 48 teams available on a first come, first served basis. Once 48 entries have been received, teams will be drawn at random and the results shared with entrants. Host your own World Cup Sweepstake to raise funds for Chester FC Community Trust If you would like to host your own World Cup Sweepstake with friends or colleagues to support Chester FC Community Trust, we have put together a downloadable pack that contains everything you need. DOWNLOAD YOUR 2026 WORLD CUP SWEEPSTAKE KIT Thank you for your support and good luck!
Chester FC Community Trust is inviting primary schools across Cheshire West to a special event introducting its partnership with Beyond the Physical – a collaboration designed to strengthen PE provision and support staff development. Earlier this year, the Community Trust became an official Grow Together Partner with Beyond the Physical, joining a national network of organisations committed to delivering purposeful, inclusive and high-impact PE. The partnership gives schools access to world-leading PE resources, evidence-informed CPD opportunities, and an AfPE-approved curriculum – one of only three approved programmes in the country. The initiative reflects Chester FC Community Trust’s continued commitment to using sport and education to positively impact schools and communities. Through the partnership, schools can benefit from structured CPD opportunities, planning resources, and practical support to help develop meaningful PE experiences for pupils while building teacher confidence and consistency. To introduce the programme in more detail, the Community Trust will host a free event for primary teachers, PE leads, and school leaders on Tuesday 9 June at 9am. What schools can expect Attendees will have the opportunity to: • Learn more about the partnership with Beyond the Physical • Explore the PE curriculum and support package available to schools • Discover how the programme can strengthen existing PE provision • Take part in an open Q&A session with the Community Trust team Event Details Date: Tuesday 9 June Time: 9:00am Venue: King George V Sports Hub, Blacon Avenue, Chester CH1 5BD The event is free to attend and light refreshments will be provided. CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE For further information, contact Anna Price, Head of Programmes at Chester FC Community Trust, at anna.price@chesterfc.com.
Blacon Youth Hub is excited to welcome back The Paint Republic for a fantastic art workshop for our members at May half-term! Previous workshops with The Paint Republic was hugely popular with lots of young people creating their own artwork with a professional artist. The workshop is on Wednesday 27th May from 11am to 12.30pm for ages 7-17 at King George V Community Sports Hub. Spaces are limited and there is a subsidised charge of £5 to attend the workshop with all materials and equipment provided. The Paint Republic offer unique art events and workshops that give people from all abilities the chance to get creative and express themselves in a non-judgemental, relaxed and fun environment. Find out more about them at www.thepaintrepublic.com. BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY All young people who wish to attend must be Blacon Youth Hub members. Running on Friday evenings at King George V Community Sports Hub during term-time, Blacon Youth Hub aims to offer a safe, inclusive space for young people to meet up with friends and have the chance to take part in activities, including sport, music, arts, movies, gaming and more. Times: Juniors 5.30pm-7pm and Seniors 7.30pm-9pm Address: King George V Community Sports Hub, Blacon Avenue, Blacon CH1 5BD REGISTER NOW TO BECOME A MEMBER