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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.
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!