Press Release

Teaming up for football in the Community

11/04/2006
Ref: pr 0087

CHP teams up with Chelmsford City 'Football in the Community' to help young people from Chelmsford maintain a football team.

The CHP Charitable Trust will be giving £300 to Chelmsford City 'Football in the Community' to support a team of young footballers. The team, aged between 12 and16, was started last summer with help from Gary Bellamy, CHP Estate Ranger team leader and ex-professional footballer, who provides the link between young people and Chelmsford City football club.

"I noticed a regular bunch of lads kicking a ball about on Melbourne Park when I was out on estates and it occurred to me that we could set some formal coaching and training up for them," said Gary. Chelmsford City's Football in the Community has been coaching the team while Gary has been giving the team some guidance and support to help develop playing and coaching skills.

"It helps us build relationships with young people and gives them the chance to get involved in something positive that they can really benefit from," continued Gary. "It teaches them to take pride in their neighbourhood and encourages them to lead healthy lifestyles. With the Olympics on the horizon and our football team's return to the town, it's a great opportunity to get into sport. They'll have access to professional coaching and it helps give them an identity and something to work towards."

The £300 donation for CHP Charitable Trust will help the team obtain equipment and pay for ten weeks of coaching. NACRO, the crime reduction charity, have also supported the team by recently organizing a 5-a-side football tournament.

ENDS

Editor's Notes:

• Gary Bellamy started his football career at Chesterfield in 1980, moving on to the Wolves, Cardiff, and Leyton Orient. In 1997 Gary hung up his boots and became chief executive of Chelmsford City where he was able to take on a role as player/manager and work more closely with the community.
• Cheque presentation at Melbourne Staduim, 11/4/06 3.30pm. Chris Finch, Chelmsford City Football in the Community Officer and Nick Emery from NACRO, Gary Bellamy, CHP Estate Ranger team leader, and Dennis Laws, Chairman of CHP Charitable Trust, will be attending
• For further details contact Victoria Norton, PR & Marketing Manager on: 01245 613111 or victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk

CHP Charitable Trust, set up in March 2003 by a gift aid from Chelmer Housing Partnership:

• Facilitates community development in Essex neighbourhoods
• Works in partnership to add value to community based projects to help improve people's quality of life
• Aims to benefit both existing and potential service users of Chelmer Housing Partnership by providing sustainable development

The Trust's objectives:

• Providing youth facilities
• Enhancing skills
• Promoting healthy living
• Tackling financial exclusion

CHP Charitable Trust aims to help improve people's quality of life in local neighbourhoods by benefiting existing and potential tenants of, and those receiving services from CHP.