MFC Foundation are the pioneers of the Stepping Up Transition project.

Starting in May 2016 after consultations with schools and local authorities, it was recognised that the gap from primary to secondary school was too big for some vulnerable young people.

The project initially started with three secondary schools and 12 primary schools; it has now grown to four secondary schools and 28 primary schools (three of the four secondary schools have remained, with one new secondary school being added with an expansion in to East Cleveland).

Four full time staff are all assigned to a secondary school, and a cluster of their associated feeder primaries. Their delivery timetables are split in half across the year. From February through to July, staff work within the primary school setting, getting to know young people in year six and preparing them for their step up. In September, staff actually transition to the secondary school with them and stay with them in their new educational environment until February (the cycle then begins again with a new cohort of young people).

To supplement their school delivery, staff also deliver Premier League Kicks three evenings a week in their local communities, signposting young people from schools to the sessions. This provides wraparound care and allows more consistent and regular access to a role model for the young people to look up to.

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closure of schools, staff have created a menu of support for young people to access to aid them with their transition to secondary school. This year in particular is going to be especially challenging, so the importance of having a ready-made mentor is going to be even more beneficial. This support can be tailored to the individual, or used as a whole by schools. Our valued partner schools will all receive these transition packs and resources.

For further information, please contact steven.bell@mfcfoundation.co.uk

MIDDLESBROUGH FC FOUNDATION are delighted to be one of Barclays’ UK charity partners, chosen for the meaningful work we are doing with Tees Valley Community.

In April, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19. Alongside a colleague-matched fundraising initiative and the £10m pledged through their 100×100 Programme, Barclays is donating funds to charity partners across the UK, Americas, Asia and Europe to ensure help reaches those who need it most.

The donation to MFC Foundation is £100,000, money which will be used to fund the continuation of its work of distributing food parcels to those who need it most at this time. Working with the Food Poverty Partnership, the Foundation will also ensure that the funds are used to enhance sustainable food options in Tees Valley for the foreseeable future, ensuring that there are accessible and affordable options available for local people.

Helena Bowman, Head of MFC Foundation, the oldest professional football club charity in the country, (this year we’re celebrating our 25^th year), said: “This is a significant investment for MFC Foundation and will make a huge difference to individuals in our community who, unfortunately, are in a position where they require support with food. We will ensure that this funding is used to sustain a long-term impact and we would like to thank Barclays for their generosity.”

Barclays chosen partners in the UK include those who are meeting the immediate needs of low-income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people, NHS staff and key workers.

Judith Richardson, Barclays Relationship Director, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many in the Teesside region. By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Middlesbrough FC Foundation have played a vital role in this crisis to date, and no doubt they will do going forward.

“As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with Middlesbrough FC Foundation will allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”