AFC Bournemouth
JPMorgan Chase, AFC Bournemouth and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) have joined forces to deliver an initiative called ‘Bounce Back’.
It is a scheme to support local disadvantaged and vulnerable adults in achieving independent sustained living via a combination of classroom and practical learning activities.
The programme has run every Monday since 14 February at Vitality Stadium, home of AFC Bournemouth, on an initial six-week pilot programme. A total of 37 men and women booked onto the first week of the course and participants can achieve accreditations at the end of the initiative.
“Individuals are given the opportunity to improve their quality of life and build their self-esteem,” says Lottie Forte, Volunteering and Community Relations at JPMorgan Chase. “We hope they have acquired skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”
Steve Cuss, Head of Community at AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust said: “AFC Bournemouth is a progressive, forward-thinking club that unites the local community, and this is the latest in a huge number of projects which demonstrate that.
"The first part of the sessions are spent on education - helping to deliver personal development, physical and mental well-being, money management, healthy eating and lifestyles and considering what the next steps in life might look like.
“Then we go out onto the 3G training pitches at Vitality Stadium for a football session. We have provided shirts, shorts, trainers and boots for anyone who needs them – which removes some of the barriers that may have prevented participants playing before. The men’s and women’s players at the club have made donations and are very supportive of what we are doing. I want to stress this is a programme that is equally appropriate for men and women.”
Two Bournemouth players are Ambassadors of the project – Scottish international Ryan Christie from the men’s team and Jade Bradley from the women’s team. Christie sent a welcome video which was shown at the first session, while Bradley also made a personal appearance at a session.
The outside gatherings will look to promote, fitness, team work and communication.
“We are really excited about the benefits this ‘Bounce Back’ initiative can deliver to so many people,” says Val Jefferies, Project Manager, Employability & Skills at BCHA.
“Our team has put in a lot of effort to ensure the scheme was well promoted and made available to as a wide a group as possible who fit the criteria for participation. I think it is fair to say the participant numbers are higher than we expected which is extremely encouraging.”
For further information relating to referrals for the scheme please contact Paige Hutchings at BCHA and for all other queries please contact [email protected].
Community
