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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.
As 2025 comes to an end, we’ve been taking a moment to look back on what’s been another special year for Chester FC Community Trust. We’ve loved seeing so many people getting involved in our programmes and accessing our facilities, becoming healthier, more confident, and better connected. There have been brilliant events, individual success stories, and memorable moments, but among the standouts have been: • Blacon Youth Hub ensuring young people have access to a safe, welcoming space to meet friends, take part in activities, and feel supported • The growth of our Walking Sports sessions, helping people stay active or return to the sport they love and form new friendships • The achievements of our Football Education students, who are hitting their goals on and off the pitch. Community Trust CEO Jim Green said: “We’re really proud of what’s been achieved in 2025 and excited for the next 12 months. It’s very much a team effort, and we’re hugely grateful to every participant, our fantastic staff and volunteers, and our funders and partners for their continued support of our work, which helps us make a real difference in our communities.”
Chester FC Community Trust is grateful to Rosebridge and Pro Sport Wealth for their generous support of this year’s Toy Appeal. The Trust and Chester FC are proud to support the Christmas Big Yellow Toy Appeal 2025, encouraging supporters to donate new toys and gifts for families and children in need. Gareth Griffiths and Adam Cooper from Rosebridge and Pro Sport Wealth visited the King George V Community Sports Hub to hand over their donation this week. Thanks to their support, and that of others, the Community Trust and club will be able to provide a large collection of toys and gifts to help bring festive cheer to less fortunate local children and families. The Toy Appeal invites fans to donate new toys and gifts, which will be distributed to local charities in time for Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the Deva Stadium and King George V Community Sports Hub up to and including Wednesday 17th December 2025. Additional drop-off locations include Morrison’s in Saltney, the Royal Mail on Jupiter Drive, and Big Yellow Self Storage on Sealand Road.
We’re excited to invite Blacon Youth Hub members to our annual Christmas Party! Join us for a evening of bowling, food and festive fun as we celebrate a fantastic 12 months for the Youth Hub. Our final session of 2025 will take place at Tenpin Chester from 6pm to 8pm with all Youth Hub members welcome to attend. Tickets cost £6 per person, which includes two games of bowling and a choice of food from the below options: Burger + Chips Cheeseburger + Chips Chicken Nuggets + Chips Veggie Burger + Chips To brighten up the lanes, we encourage everyone to wear something Christmassy – whether it’s a Christmas jumper, a Santa hat, or your own unique festive fashion twist! Travel to and from Tenpin Chester is the responsibility of parents or carers. Parents are welcome to drop off their children at the start of the event and collect them afterwards. To book your place, visit community.chesterfc.com/book – but be quick as spaces are limited. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Buy a ticket for Chester FC Community Trust’s Christmas Prize Draw and you could win £250 cash in time for Christmas Day! With 10 fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a night at The Queen Hotel, tickets for Knowsley Safari Park and signed Chester FC merchandise, you’re not only in with the chance of being a winner, but you’ll also be helping the Community Trust’s continue its work supporting communities across Chester. Entries are £5 and every penny raised will be reinvested in the Community Trust’s programmes and projects, including mental health football, disability football, wellbeing walks, schools engagement and matchday activities at the Deva Stadium. There’s no limit on how many times you can enter, so the more tickets you buy, the greater your chance of being a winner, and the winners will be drawn on Saturday 20th December 2025. CLICK HERE TO ENTER List of Prizes £250 cash One night stay for two at The Queen at Chester Hotel Signed Chester FC home shirt Family ticket for Knowsley Safari Park Signed Chester FC football Pair of Chester FC Legends Lounge hospitality tickets Two immersive murder mystery games from Cases & Clues Family ticket for Chester FC Tassimo Coffee Machine Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker The raffle is in aid of Chester FC Community Trust, so every ticket you buy will help support our charitable work in local communities. The winners will be drawn at 3:45pm on Saturday 20th December 2025.
Chester Football Club is backing the Christmas Big Yellow Toy Appeal 2025 with fans invited to donate a gift for someone less fortunate. The Toy Appeal aims to put smiles on faces over the festive period by collecting donations of new toys and gifts for distribution to children and families who are struggling. The football club and its charity have supported the Toy Appeal for a number of years and donations can be dropped off at the Deva Stadium and King George V Community Sports Hub up to and including Wednesday 17th December, before being distributed to local charities in time for Christmas. Big Yellow are asking for donations of new toys and gifts for ages 0-15, with additional drop-off points at Morrison’s in Saltney, the Royal Mail on Jupiter Drive and Big Yellow Self Storage on Sealand Road. For further information, contact Big Yellow Chester on 01244 399993 or email chester@bigyellow.co.uk.
Get ready for some festive football fun with Chester FC Community Trust coaches! We’re excited to be hosting a special Christmas Chester FC Soccer School over two dates during the holidays. Join our team on Monday 22nd December and Tuesday 30th December at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon, where each session will be packed with warm-ups, skill-building activities, and small-sided games to keep young footballers aged 5-15 active and smiling. Our Christmas camps run from 9am until 3pm and places are £18 per day – but you can take advantage of our Early Bird savings available when you book before the end of November. There’s an optional free breakfast available for all children on arrival and indoor space and activities in case of bad weather. 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 NOVEMBER 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 CHRISTMAS 2025 Dates: Monday 22nd December & Tuesday 30th December Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm Venue: King George V Community Sports Hub, Blacon Avenue, Chester CH1 5BD Ages: Boys & girls of all abilities aged 5–15 Arrival: Please arrive ready to play in kit What to bring: Appropriate footwear, waterproof jacket, water bottle, and a packed lunch in a labelled bag or lunchbox Breakfast: Free breakfast available for all players