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In a heartening display of community engagement, six of our U16s players, alongside coach Mike Mair, orchestrated a series of dynamic coaching activities for 24 children supported by the Red Hen Project. The initiative, held during the Easter holidays, not only provided a fun and accessible experience for the youngsters but also exemplified the spirit of giving back to the community.
The Red Hen Project in Cambridge is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children and families experiencing challenges within the local community. Established with the aim of supporting families to raise happy, healthy and independent children, it promotes positive, confident parenting and a cooperative relationship between schools and families. The charity offers a range of programmes and services aimed at addressing various socio-economic challenges, including providing opportunities for children and families that would otherwise be out of their reach.
The coaching activities, carefully crafted by the U16s players and Mair, offered a diverse range of football-centric exercises aimed at honing skills and fostering a love for the beautiful game. With two coaches per activity station, the children had the opportunity to participate in various drills and games, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience for all involved.
Reflecting on the event, Daniel Mair expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the community while ensuring the children had a memorable and enjoyable time. "It's been a great experience working with them again this year, ensuring that it's not only beneficial but also a lot of fun for the children. Giving back to the community in this way is truly rewarding,"
Nye Monks echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of supporting the youth in and around Cambridge. "This initiative provided a fantastic opportunity to offer our assistance and encouragement to the kids in our community. It's all about making a positive impact"
For Dilan Nicholls, the experience was not only fulfilling but also offered valuable insights for his future coaching endeavors. "It was a really good experience to give back and help the children. Seeing the kids enjoying themselves throughout the activities was incredibly rewarding and will undoubtedly inform my future coaching efforts"
Alessio Nicholson, Charlie Collard, and Alfie Tommaso all expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the Red Hen Project and Cambridge City while nurturing the next generation of football enthusiasts. Their dedication to making a difference in the lives of these children was palpable, and their commitment to community service through sport serves as an inspiring example for others to follow.
Rachel Bennett, Head of Service Delivery at The Red Hen Project, explained how valuable these opportunities are : “Being able to offer such experiences to our families is amazing. There are a multitude of reasons why children and families find it hard to engage in these types of activities – not only finances. We are so grateful to Cambridge City FC, and especially to the U16 boys who have been brilliant with the children. A special thank you to the team of mums who provided the picnic, which was so appreciated.”
Some of the participants gave us their views on the day
Riley - I really liked that everyone was enjoying it and I could show my skills
Chloe - it was great there was so much to do and I never got bored
Parent - Thank you so much my boys loved it and the coaches were so kind. It was great to get out of the house for all of us
This is the second time City youngsters have selflessly given their time and expertise and the impact of this initiative lingers on, leaving behind a legacy of camaraderie, empowerment, and community spirit. In the eyes of these young footballers and their mentors, success is not merely measured in goals scored but in the smiles ignited and dreams nurtured.