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Blacon Youth Hub is excited to welcome back The Paint Republic for another fantastic art workshop for our members! The previous workshop with The Paint Republic was hugely popular with lots of young people creating their own artwork with a professional artist. The workshop is on Saturday 14th March 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 £10 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
Chester FC Community Trust coaches have delivered more than 100 hours of the Give Up Loving Pop (GULP) programme – helping hundreds of children make healthier choices around sugary drinks and understand the impact these choices have on their health, energy and performance. Supported with funding from the Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Public Health, the campaign is making a real difference in classrooms and playgrounds across Chester and Ellesmere Port, with 14 primary schools having benefitted so far. GULP was created to help children understand the health harms of overconsumption of sugary drinks, not only for the impact it can have on their teeth, but also the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Offered to schools free of charge, the programme is delivered over four weeks, with each session combining a workshop on oral health with fun sport and physical activity sessions, providing children with the information and tools to make healthier choices, challenging them to swap their favourite sugary drinks for water, milk and other less sugary drinks. Feedback from teachers has highlighted how effective the sessions have been in helping pupils understand how much sugar is hidden in some popular drinks, with encouraging reports of children making the choice to switch to healthier options, and also supporting school staff with CPD. The Community Trust is looking forward to continuing to deliver GULP and reaching even more schools and children as the programme continues If you’d like to find out more or organise GULP for your school, contact kalvin.williams@chesterfc.com or anna.price@chesterfc.com.
Chester FC Community Trust is proud to share our first Social Value Impact Report, showcasing the difference our work is making to individuals and families across Chester and Cheshire West. Produced in collaboration with Chester Football Club, the independently assessed report demonstrates the Community Trust creates £10.20 of social value for every £1 spent, helping to deliver £8.7 million of social value into the community. CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT Working alongside the football club as its charitable arm, the Community Trust provides accessible, impactful programmes focused on health and wellbeing, education, social inclusion, and sport, supporting our vision of happier, healthier and fairer communities with Chester FC at their heart, where everyone is empowered to reach their potential. The Community Trust engages thousands of participants, including children and young people, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing social isolation, delivering activities including school and post-16 education programmes, mental health and wellbeing sessions, disability and walking football, youth hubs, and community fitness classes. The report, independently assessed by award-winning CSR consultancy Collins McHugh, demonstrates a Social Return on Investment of £10.20 for every £1 invested, underlining the value of trusted local charities. CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “It gives me great pride to see the impact of our work captured in this report, and it reinforces how important what we do is to our communities. “The report is testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, the support and belief of our partners and funders, and the commitment and energy of everyone who engages or participates in our programmes. “I hope this report illustrates the breadth and depth of the Community Trust’s work, and shows that, while football will always be at our core, we are now about so much more, and we will continue to listen, and respond, to the needs of our community.” The report also highlights how THE Community Trust aligns its work with Cheshire West and Chester Council priorities, supporting improved health and wellbeing, education and skills, social inclusion, and opportunities for young people and older residents. Key Headlines • £8.7 million of total social value generated across Chester and surrounding areas. • £10.20 of social value created for every £1 invested. • Thousands of people supported through programmes delivered by Chester FC Community Trust across sport, health and wellbeing, education and social inclusion. • £1.9 million of social value generated through Social Inclusion programmes, supporting reduced loneliness, improved mental health, increased social integration and children’s wellbeing. • £1.7 million of social value linked to improved health and wellbeing, including increased physical activity and better mental health outcomes. • £4.6 million of social value aligned to education, skills and social support, helping young people and adults develop confidence, qualifications and pathways into employment. • Significant outcomes for older adults, including reduced loneliness and increased social connection through walking football, walking netball and wellbeing activities. • Inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities, with dedicated disability football and accessible community programmes delivered throughout the year. • Strong contribution to local priorities, with activity directly supporting Cheshire West and Chester Council objectives around health, education, social cohesion and age-friendly communities. CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT
Chester FC Community Trust is hosting a Goalkeeping Camp and Girl Soccer School this February half-term! 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 16th February 10am to 2pm at King George V Community Sports Hub (CH1 5BD) Chester FC Girls Soccer School Monday 16th February 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 THE END OF JANUARY AND SAVE WITH OUR 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.
Chester FC Community Trust has officially become a Grow Together Partner with Beyond the Physical, marking an important milestone in our ongoing work to raise the quality, consistency, and impact of physical education in our community. This partnership connects Chester FC Community Trust to a national network of values-led organisations that share our belief in sport as a powerful vehicle for inclusion, personal development, and long-term change. At the heart of this collaboration is a shared understanding that physical education can — and should — go beyond just the physical. Unlocking World-Leading Resources for Schools A key benefit of this partnership is the opportunity for Chester FC Community Trust to further strengthen the support we offer to schools. As a Grow Together Partner, the Trust can now provide access to world-leading Physical Education resources and high-quality CPD, underpinned by Beyond the Physical’s innovative Scheme of Work and evidence-informed methodology. In practice, this means: • Schools working with Chester FC Community Trust can access a PE curriculum rooted in purposeful, meaningful learning — not just activity for activity’s sake. • Teachers and school staff supported by the Trust will benefit from CPD that develops confidence, consistency, and impact across physical, social, and emotional outcomes. • Our coaches and educators will enhance their delivery using high-quality planning tools, assessment frameworks, and progressive pedagogical approaches aligned with the latest thinking in PE and school sport. Growing Together With Purpose The Grow Together programme mirrors the ethos that underpins Chester FC Community Trust’s work every day: growth with intention, sustainability, and community impact at its core. Through this partnership, the Trust will be able to: • Share learning and best practice with other like-minded organisations across the country. • Co-create impactful projects that benefit schools, young people, and community settings. • Access ongoing guidance and expertise from Beyond the Physical to help evolve and strengthen our educational offer. What This Means for Our Schools and Communities Most importantly, this partnership allows Chester FC Community Trust to deepen its impact where it matters most — in schools and communities across Chester and beyond. It strengthens our ability to provide consistent, high-quality physical education experiences that support not only physical literacy, but also confidence, resilience, wellbeing, and a lifelong positive relationship with movement. Becoming a Grow Together Partner is a significant step forward in the Trust’s mission to use education and sport as tools for positive change. We’re excited about what lies ahead and proud to be growing together with Beyond the Physical as part of a wider national movement. To find out more about Chester FC Community Trust’s schools programme, you can download our 2025/26 brochure here. If you have any questions or would like to enquire about a booking, contach Jay Gilmartin at jay.gilmartin@chesterfc.com. For more information about the Grow Together programme and what it means to be part of this network, visit beyondthephysical.co.uk/cco.
Jules Hipkiss will be taking on the Chester 10K in March to raise funds for Chester FC Community Trust and cancer care charity Maggie’s in memory of her dad, Barrie. The race will be Jules’ first organised running event and is being completed in honour of Barrie, who devoted 60 years of service to his beloved Chester FC, where his warmth, generosity and incredible commitment left a true legacy. Jules is raising money for two charities close to the Hipkiss family’s heart: Chester FC Community Trust and Maggie’s Wirral. The Community Trust aims to purchase new kits for the children and young people who attend its Chester FC Pan-Disability Football sessions. Football played a huge role in Barrie’s life, and inclusivity in sport was something he strongly believed in — particularly as Barrie’s grandson has a disability. The second charity is Maggie’s Wirral, which supported Barrie and his family following his cancer diagnosis. Maggie’s provides emotional, practical and compassionate support for people living with cancer and their loved ones, offering a welcoming space during incredibly difficult times. Donations can be made via GoFundMe with funds split equally between the two charities. CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Fighting for Change – an innovative programme raising awareness of youth violence – is coming to King George V Community Sports Hub. Delivered by Cheshire West & Chester Youth Service, this free 12-week project will run on Tuesdays from 27 January for young people aged 11–19 (up to 25 for those with SEND or who are Care Leavers). Each session combines a football session on the 3G pitch with interactive workshops exploring the impact of knife crime and youth violence in the community. Participants will be supported to: • keep themselves and their friends safe • discover how to create a rap song • gain a first aid qualification • learn bleed out and knocked out first aid For more information or to register, email youngpeoplesservice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Chester FC Youth Panel, a new initiative designed to give young people a greater voice in shaping the future of the club and its community work. The football club and its charity Chester FC Community Trust are seeking supporters and participants aged 14-24 to be part of the Youth Panel and share their views, ideas and experiences on areas including fan engagement, marketing and communications, community programmes, and matchday experience. Meeting four times a year, panel members will be supported to make suggestions, provide feedback and take part in projects, influencing decision-making and helping drive improvements across the club. As well as making a positive difference to the club and community, the Youth Panel will also give members valuable experience in leadership, communication, and teamwork, and the opportunity to meet new people, build confidence, and boost their employability skills. Membership will be open to up to 14 young people on a voluntary basis, with recruitment through an open application process and members serving a 12-month term. Club and Community Trust staff will facilitate Youth Panel meetings and successful applicants will receive an induction to their role. Full details about the Chester FC Youth Panel are available here. “One of the biggest positives of the past few years has been the increase in the number of young people attending matches at the Deva or engaging with our community programmes, and it’s vital for the future of the club that we retain – and build – on this new interest,” said Jim Green, Vice Chair and CEO of the Community Trust. “We’ve recognised that the CFU membership, volunteer base and make up of the board isn’t representative of this, and the Youth Panel aims to address this gap. We need to ensure young people understand how important they are and feel empowered to use their ideas, energy and passion to improve their club and their community.” Applications for the Chester FC Youth Panel are now open. Young people interested in applying should email community@chesterfc.com with their name, age, and a short personal statement outlining what they would bring to the role and at least one idea to improve Chester FC or Chester FC Community Trust.
The Chester FC Soccer School is back for February half-term with places now available to book! Our popular camps are led by qualified, experienced coaches and support youngsters to keep active, develop their skills and make new friends during the school holidays. The Chester FC Soccer School will be running for five days across February half-term at Goals Soccer Centre, offering skills coaching, small-sided games, tournaments and challenges for children aged 5-15. Our camps start at 10am and finish 3pm with places costing £18 per day – and you can take advantage of our Early Bird savings available when you book before the end of January. 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. BOOK BEFORE THE END OF JANUARY FOR THE EARLY BIRD PRICE OF £15 PER DAY Bookings can be made online using the link below. CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW If you have any questions or would like more information, please email community@chesterfc.com. CHESTER FC SOCCER SCHOOL FEBRUARY 2026 Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026 10am to 3pm at Goals Soccer Centre with drop off and pick up at Deva Stadium
Chester FC Community Trust is seeking to appoint two Lead Coaches to work within the Chester FC Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre (ETC), supporting the U12s and U16s squads. The successful candidates 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 (U12s or U16s) • Hours: 1.5 hours per week • Programme length: 30-week training programme (September to June) • Training nights: Mondays • U12s: 5:30pm – 7:00pm • U16s: 7:00pm – 8:30pm • 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 16th January 2026.