Chester FC Community Trust is providing subsidised places for children eligible for free school meals at its holiday club this half-term thanks to funding from the Welcome Network.
 
The award from the Welcome Network’s Holiday Grant Fund will see youngsters receive a healthy lunch and take part in a day of fun organised football activities with qualified coaches at the Deva Stadium.
 
A limited number of subsided places are available for each day at a cost of £5 per child and these must be booked in advance with all activities adhering to current guidance.
 
Jim Green, CEO of the Community Trust, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Welcome Network for this grant that means we can extend our existing holiday provision to support families eligible for free school meals.
 
“Marcus Rashford’s campaign has brought the issue of holiday hunger to the fore and it is a sad reality for many children across the UK and within our community.
 
“The work of the Welcome Network in tackling food poverty in West Cheshire is vitally important and we plan to work closely with them to help highlight this issue and ensure children don’t go hungry.”
 
Stephanie Ellis, Welcome Network Manager said: “We are delighted to support Chester FC Community Trust in funding places for local children eligible for free school meals.
 
“It’s a fantastic initiative by the Community Trust and I hope that the children really enjoy the soccer schools and the healthy lunch provided by the club’s community cafe.”
 
For more information about the subsidised places, email community@chesterfc.com or contact 07512 355396.