CHESTER FC Community Trust has revealed that their summer programme of community activities have been their most successful to date.

The charity and foundation arm of Chester Football Club, the Community Trust provided more than 300 hours of youth engagement activities across the six-week summer holidays.

A total of 645 young people were involved in the sessions, which included Chester FC Soccer School, Goalkeeper Camp and Girls' Soccer School.

The Community Trust partnered with credit card provider MBNA to deliver the project.

A host of free sessions supporting local families were also provided during the summer break, including:

  • The HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Club - funded by the Department for Education, the Holiday Activities and Food programme provided children who receive free school meals with enriching activities and a free healthy lunch each day.
  • Save the Family - children from vulnerable homeless families (who are supported by Save the Family) were invited to King George V Community Sports Hub to take part in free football and multi-sport activities with qualified coaches.
  • Dale Barracks - as part of the Trust’s community outreach programme, coaches visited Dale Barracks where for children from families who have relocated to Chester with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment could enjoy fun sporting activities.
  • Lache - during every school holiday, the coaches support the Lache community by delivering free football coaching and games alongside the wider provision in the area, which includes providing free food for children.
  • Game On - free sport activities were provided for children in Blacon on Monday and Friday evenings, thanks to funding from Blacon councillors. The sessions are part of the wider Blacon summer programme, which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour by providing positive diversionary activities for young people.

The programmes aim to engage, motivate and educate young people aged between five and 15 within Chester and surrounding areas.

Jim Green, CEO of the Community Trust, said: "We’re thrilled to have smashed our targets and surpassed previous years. Our expectations are always extremely high with the provisions and work we provide in the community, but to exceed our goals is a massive plus.

"Everyone at Chester FC Community Trust gives their all to provide the young people attending our sessions a safe, active, and enjoyable environment."

Victoria Dowd, Sponsorships Manager for MBNA, added: "The MBNA Community Investment Programme is extremely proud to be able to support the ongoing work provided by Chester FC’s Community Trust to the local community and we’re grateful to work alongside the Trust to support young people from across the region.

"It’s great to see the Trust go from strength to strength and can’t wait to see the continued positive impact."

For further information on community events provided by Chester FC Community Trust, visit: http://community.chesterfc.com/.