NCS Nathan graduates to first team
STANLEY COMM TRUST COLUMN
IT’S not often you get to see one of your National Citizenship Service (NCS) graduates play for a professional football team after completing their NCS qualification. But here at Accrington Stanley we have just that!
NCS is an opportunity for all aged 16 to 17 from all backgrounds and brings them together in a programme of challenge, service and learning, enabling them to develop the confidence, skills and attitudes they need to become more engaged with their communities and become active and responsible citizens whilst having an amazing and enjoyable time on the fun and action packed programme.
Nathan Webb completed the NCS programme in 2015 only to go on to play for the first team of the club.
“It was an amazing once in a life time experience, the staff were friendly and the activities we did were a lot of fun. I would recommend NCS if you have the chance to go on it, do so,” said Nathan.
The programmes start with a residential where you take part in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, night walking and archery. Once you have done this you get the chance to put the skills learnt on the residential into action by designing on a social action project for the local community and carry it out. After you graduate you will have a qualification that will enhance your CV and is recognised by UCAS and employers.
Zara Khan is a sports student at Accrington and Rossendale college, she completed the National Citizens Service over four weeks during the summer holiday’s this year and enjoyed it that much she came back to volunteer and help out on the first wave of autumn NCS.
Through hard work and determination volunteering on the programme, leading the NCS Youth Board (with Saif Farooq and Faiza Khan) as well as completing her placement with us, Zara has been offered a job with us at the trust as a NCS Assistant Leader during the seasonal programme.
Our NCS Officer Kathryn Hoyle said: “I love to see young people strive throughout the programme, we as the providers only give them the opportunity and tools to do so.”