The EFL has joined a Government scheme to give “thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder” as sport steps up its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government’s Kickstart scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit. Nationally the scheme has created more than 38,000 jobs across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers since its launch last year.

Kickstart targets young people who have been heavily affected by the pandemic. The aim is to provide opportunities to give them the best possible chance of getting a job.

The EFL Trust, which is the charitable arm of the EFL (English Football League) will act as a gateway provider under the scheme, bringing together football club community organisations to give 500 young people the opportunity to work with them and build their skills in the workplace. So far 65 EFL clubs have signed up to be involved, offering six-month work placements to young people.

COMMITMENT

Mims Davies, Minister for Employment, said “It’s great to see the EFL Trust sign up to the Kickstart scheme, to nurture and support so many of our next generation of workers. This fantastic commitment will see nearly 500 young people take up a diverse range of roles, from working in finance and HR, to becoming a sports coach or marketing for a major club.

“The Kickstart scheme gives thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder – they’ll gain vital work experience, build a network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves – as part of our £30billion plan for jobs helping people of all ages into work.”

Vacancies at clubs and their charitable arms will include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film and photography, and HR and data administration roles.

CONFIDENCE

Macklin Doherty has recently joined Luton Town Community Trust as a marketing and communications assistant.

He said “The recruitment process and feedback from the Trust made me feel seen and revived a level of confidence within myself that has been lacking since the first lockdown began. Those barriers I felt existed collapsed before my eyes.”

Mike Evans, Chief Executive of the EFL Trust, said: “This impact of Covid-19 on our young people is clearly very significant and we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to young people in our communities through the Kickstart programme.

“A key part of our strategy at the EFL Trust is to raise aspirations and realise the potential within our communities and a scheme like Kickstart enables us to have a significant impact on the young people who need our support most right now.”

Story by Nia Harris.