Stevenage FC

National Citizen Service (NCS) is the fastest growing youth movement since the Scouts began. Over 200,000 young people have now graduated from the programme. NCS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 15-17 year olds and can help fast track young people’s futures by learning new skills for work as well as developing young people’s confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.

NCS is delivered by Stevenage FC Foundation and with the support of young people who have already graduated from NCS, the programme has made its mark on people’s lives and the local community. Last summer our four teams of 15 worked with charities such as The Willow Foundation and Football Gambia and organisations such as Marriotts Sports Centre as well as delivering gifts to the children’s ward at Lister Hospital.

Before Saturday’s game, there will be information available in the north-east corner of the ground about the forthcoming Summer NCS programme, plus plenty more details in our match day programme.

The players and Boro Bear will also be showing their support by wearing NCS t-shirts during the warm-up. Meanwhile participants on the Spring programme will be helping to raise money for the Willow Foundation as part of their social action project, completing a sponsored leg wax at half-time.

Dani Burge NCS Coordinator at Stevenage Football Club Foundation believes that more young people in Stevenage can benefit from NCS: “From taking part in NCS in 2012 as a participant to leading the way on the last three NCS trips, I have seen the popularity of the programme grow as more young people see the benefits of being an NCS graduate.

“The programme offers young people the chance to challenge themselves and really see what they can achieve if they put their mind to it and I have seen numerous examples of confidence visibly growing in the young people throughout the programme. 

“One thing that I am particularly proud of is the number of graduates who enquire about joining us as a staff member on following programmes and I am delighted to be able to give these young people what could be their first taste of the working world. Last summer our staff team included 6 NCS graduates from the previous season.”

Stevenage FC Foundation’s Summer NCS programme consists of two residential trips across the first two weeks and then a further two weeks where young people get the chance to deliver social action projects in and around the local area. The price to participate is just £50.

An away residential to an outwards bounds centre taking part in activities that work on improving team work, challenging you to push yourself and experiencing new things. These activities will involve Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Problem Solving, Archery, Fencing, Go Karting, Leap of Faith, Jacob’s ladder and more.

This phase is where we focus on increased responsibility and independence. We will travel to Bedford Uni for the week and stay in the university halls, living life like a student. We provide everyone with a £25 Tesco voucher and you will need to buy and cook your food for the week. Alongside this, you will take part in activities such as university tours, Town Trails, CV and Employability skills workshops and a Mini Olympics. 

This phase is where you really take the reins and are allowed to be as creative and as expressive as you want too when planning your very own Social Action Project.  It is your job to research where in local community you could make a difference and what you could do to make a positive impact on the community. You and your team are in charge of the whole project, including raising money to fund your project, contacting local charities or businesses as well as the overall delivery of whatever it is you decide to do.

Sign up now and don’t miss out on your summer of a lifetime!

Contact: To apply or to find out further information please email ncs@stevenagefc.com or call 01438 222222.