Stepping Up

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


Oliver Swain Named As Community Captain For Premier League More Than A Game Initiative

MFC Foundation has named Oliver Swain as our Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society.

Over the last two weeks, the Premier League and clubs have celebrated More Than A Game, highlighting the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.

The Premier League is investing £1.6 billion into wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025 to support football at every level of the game across England and Wales. This world-leading funding into clubs, communities and facilities positively impacts and inspires millions of people.

As part of More Than A Game, the League is celebrating more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.

Explaining why Olly has been chosen, Middlesbrough FC Foundations acting head, Craig McManus, said: “Olly’s attitude and commitment is exemplary. He very much has a ‘can do’ attitude with the community genuinely at heart.

“We’re developing our delivery in East Cleveland and his drive and incredible commitment through the power of Premier League programmes has helped paved the way for so many good things for people who are in need of a helping hand.

“He has proved a very popular choice among his peers and thoroughly deserved this award.”

Olly, the Foundation’s East Cleveland coordinator, has played a part in many Premier League-funded programmes, most notably Premier League Kicks Targeted, generally regarded as his core delivery.

He was presented with his award by Boro’s Delano Burgzorg ahead of Saturday’s game against Watford. On receiving the award, Olly said: “I knew nothing of this presentation, I’m so humbled by it. As a Boro fan I’m thrilled, this has really got me.

“I’m not sure I deserve it, there are so many people who do great things in our community. I’m just a part of what we do. But to say I’m so proud is an understatement.

“As a Foundation we’re indebted to the Premier League for funding many of our programmes, but on a personal level Kicks Targeted is so impactful, helping as it does young people who might not relate to much in their lives.”

Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard said: “It is so important that we continue to recognise and collectively highlight the positive impact that work within local communities has, championing those at the heart of Premier League-funded initiatives. Success on the pitch enables the Premier League to share unparalleled investment into communities and football at all levels across England and Wales.”