The AFC Fylde Community Foundation has offered a full-time 12-month apprenticeship to Jack Brocklehurst, from Lytham St Annes, following a turn-around in the 17-year-old’s life, as part of the Foundation’s Striking Futures programme.
A year ago, Jack was out of education and looking for his next step in life. Based on a passion for sports and a commitment to his local community, Jack got in touch with the AFC Fylde Community Foundation.
Initially, he conducted 18 hours of volunteering, which involved running coaching sessions in primary schools and assisting the Foundation in the delivery of programmes throughout the Fylde, to help build his confidence, his communication skills and overall employability.
As Jack’s confidence and skills grew, he was offered a place on the Striking Futures programme, made possible through funding provided by Cuadrilla Resources and Spirit Energy. The Striking Futures programme involves an intense 12-week coach training qualification and 25 hours a week of practical coaching in the Fylde community.
He achieved a Level 2 in Principles of Coaching Sport and a Level 2 Function Skills Qualification in Maths and English, equivalent to GCSEs.
Following his success, as part of his apprenticeship, Jack will continue to build on his skills and confidence as well as helping the Foundation, as an Assistant Coach, to deliver its range of programmes throughout the Fylde Coast.
Tom Hutton, Director of the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, said: “Throughout his time with the Foundation, Jack has grown as a person, as a professional and has become an integral part of the AFC Fylde Community Foundation. As a result, he has become more employable, whilst helping his local community.”
Jack added: “I’m excited to begin my apprenticeship and thankful to the Foundation for giving me this amazing opportunity. The Striking Futures programme helped me build my confidence and taught me a lot about employability.”
Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla Resources, said: “It is stories like Jack’s that highlight the difference community programmes make to the local area and local people. We’re proud to support the AFC Fylde Community Foundation and the many programmes they implement to help people of the Fylde Coast fulfil their potential.”
