Wigan Athletic Community Trust: Impact 2021

IMPACT 2021

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CONTENTS 2 Aims and Objectives 4 Introduction 6 School Ready 8 Life Ready 10 Career Ready 12 Living Well 14 Ageing Well 16 Players in the Community 18 Equality and Diversity 20 Financial Information 22 Partners 23 How to Get Involved

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Working with Wigan Athletic to: • Improve Health • Enhance Life Chances • Create Stronger, Safer Communities The Community Trust has three priority areas of work: Schools, Community Development and Training and Skills, and aims to: • Increase participation in sport across all levels of society – particularly those from underrepresented groups.

• Encourage young people and families to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

• Improve the skills, aspirations and achievements of young people.

• Contribute towards increased community cohesion by improving the quality of life for young people and families.

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INTRODUCTION Between September 2020 and August 2021 we were able to support over 10,000 people across Wigan and its surrounding areas - a remarkable effort from our staff given that for almost six months of this time we were in some kind of lockdown.

Our staff’s hard work, innovation and commitment ensured that despite the unprecedented situation we found ourselves in due to COVID-19, we were able to continue to work with Wigan Athletic to improve health, enhance life chances and create stronger, safer communities through the different projects and activities we were able to run.

The period also saw us develop as a stronger and betterconnected organisation with new partnerships created with local charities and organisations. This includes Wigan Athletic Supporters Club who are now heavily involved with our work through the Supporters Project.

This scheme will use some of the funds raised by Wigan Athletic supporters to save the Club in 2020 and will help us to provide activities for older people at risk of social isolation, raise the aspirations of young people at secondary schools and support grassroots junior football clubs through a number of small grants, which have also been matched by Wigan Council.

In March 2021, we received the positive news that we had all been waiting for when Phoenix 2021 Limited became the new owners of Wigan Athletic FC, following a period of eight months in administration

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From the outset, the ownership group have recognised the critical role Wigan Athletic plays in the life of the town and have been committed to supporting and building on the work of the Community Trust, and everyone at the charity remains grateful for this support.

Throughout the Club’s period in administration, the backing of Wigan Council for the work of the Community Trust remained unwavering, and our unique partnership helped facilitate a move to new offices and classroom accommodation at Robin Park.

To now be based opposite the DW Stadium and on the same campus as the Club’s Academy at Stadium Way has given everyone connected to the charity a huge boost. It has also helped us to attract more young people onto our education courses with this year seeing a record number of students enrolling.

This year’s Impact Report looks at how we have helped residents in Wigan throughout their life course – from enabling children to be more school ready, through to making them life ready with education programmes in primary and secondary schools and then career ready with post 16 education and training courses.

We also provide additional support to more vulnerable young people, who need that extra help to improve their resilience and mental health or make positive choices around the lifestyles they lead, so they stay away from negative behaviours that can affect the whole community.

The report also looks at how we increasingly work with the adult population to help them live well and then age well – something that has become increasingly important as we work with partners and stakeholders to help the community recover from the effects of COVID-19.

Looking forward, the next 12 months will see the Community Trust publish a new five year strategy which will help shape our future programmes. In the shorter-term, we are particularly keen to work with the Football Club and other local businesses to help young people across Wigan find the training and employment opportunities that they deserve, while also helping people to become more physically active as we adapt to a post-COVID world.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Wigan Athletic Community Trust over the last 12 months, and we look forward to continuing to work with Wigan Athletic to improve the lives of thousands of people across the Borough each year.

Tom Flower, Head of Community February 2022

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IMPROVED HEALTH: OF UNDER 5s EXPERIENCED PROGRESS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES: OF UNDER 5s EXPERIENCED PROGRESS IN THEIR SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

IMPROVED HEALTH:

IMPROVEMENT IN HEALTH AMONGST 8-18 YEAR OLDS

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SCHOOL READY Kids on the Move

FA Wildcats

• Enhancing the lives of children aged 3-5, improving coordination, social skills and preparing them for the transition into primary school.

• Free weekly football sessions for girls aged 5-11 offering the chance to get involved in football, enjoy the game, make friends and create foundations for a lifelong love of the game.

• Programme working with over 450 children whilst upskilling 36 staff to continue teaching in nurseries.

• Over 70 girls attend three sessions a week.

Premier League Primary Stars

• Free sports and crafts and a free meal offered through the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) to youngsters during the school holidays.

• Over 2,000 pupils benefitted from high quality PE lessons.

• Lessons improved the health and wellbeing of pupils through PE and PSHE lessons by showcasing the importance of healthy eating.

Holiday Hunger Camps

• Over the last year staff have delivered thousands of hours of physical activities.

IMPROVED HEALTH: PROVIDED 300 MEALS A DAY TO CHILDREN UNDER 11 DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

• Over 600 virtual lessons were delivered by staff from home to partner schools with topics covering leadership, teamwork and diversity.

• 55 teachers have received CPD (Continuing Professional Development) support by staff with the aim of developing and increasing their knowledge and experience when teaching PE.

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LIFE READY Premier League Inspires • Working with young people who are not reaching their full potential and have low commitment to school.

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ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES: OF YOUNGSTERS WORKED WITH HAVE SEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN BEHAVIOUR

• Over 170 pupils from seven secondary schools and two engagement centres received face-to-face support with group mentoring and work on social action ideas.

• Students take part in the Premier League Inspires Challenge with the task of developing ways to improve their local communities.

IMPROVED HEALTH: IMPROVEMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE AMONGST 12–18-YEAR-OLDS

Premier League Kicks • Providing thousands of young people aged 8-18 with free sport and football opportunities including LGBTQ+ and disability specific sessions.

• Young people take part in workshops covering topics including knife crime, youth violence, youth voice and equality and diversity.

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CREATING STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES: OF PARTICIPANTS HAVE AN INCREASED KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLENCE AND CARRYING A WEAPON

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NCS • Programme for 16-17-year-olds designed to help young people give something back to their community through social action projects.

• Social action projects have supported local foodbanks, renovating community gardens and running virtual coffee mornings to care homes and hospices.

Chances Project • Empowering young people with an offending record and/or low school attendance to get active and re-engage with education through one-to-one mentoring, sport and physical activities.

Pathway 2 Participation • Hundreds of young people aged 8-16 have benefitted from the National Lottery funded project with one-to-one mentoring and sports sessions.

CREATING STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES:

YOUNGSTERS ATTENDED THE NCS PROGRAMME DURING THE SUMMER

CREATING STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES: OF YOUNG PEOPLE REFERRED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY INCIDENT FOR A 12-MONTH PERIOD

IMPROVED HEALTH: OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE SEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

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CAREER READY

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Traineeship • Programme giving 16-24 year olds the best opportunity to secure work.

• Includes opportunities for work placements with local businesses, employability workshops and job application support.

ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES: 15 YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORTED IN FINDING EMPLOYMENT OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS

Level 2 and 3 Football and Education • One and two year courses for 16-18 year olds looking to pursue a career in sports coaching.

• Learners gain industry recognised qualifications and represent Wigan Athletic in the Community and Education Football Alliance League.

University of South Wales Two Year Foundation Degree

ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES: OF STUDENTS WENT ON TO FURTHER TRAINING

ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES:

• Delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales and EFL Trust, courses are designed for individuals wanting to attain a university qualification and passionate about pursuing a career in the sports industry.

OF STUDENTS GRADUATED FROM THE DEGREE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS

Kickstart • Helping out-of-work young people get back on their feet and back into employment through a variety of work placements within the Football Club, Community Trust and local businesses.

ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES: YOUNGSTERS CURRENTLY IN EMPLOYMENT WITH LATICS THROUGH THE SCHEME

• Creating job opportunities for 16-24 year olds with roles including sports coaching, media, hospitality and business administration.

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LIVING WELL IMPROVED HEALTH:

ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES:

IMPROVED HEALTH:

OF WEIGHT LOST BY PARTICIPANTS

PARTICIPANTS HAVE TAKEN PART OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS

PARTICIPANTS INVOLVED IN THE INITIATIVE OVER THE PAST YEAR

OVER 200KG Fit Latics

Every Player Counts

• Improving the health and wellbeing of men and women aged 35-65.

• Offering adults with disabilities the chance to get involved in football through weekly sessions.

• 12-week programme helps with long-term improvement in weight loss, diet management and general wellbeing through a range of physical activities and nutritional advice.

• Programme runs adult and junior sides who represent Wigan Athletic in the Greater Manchester Ability Counts League.

• Activities include running up and down the stairs at the DW Stadium and circuit training in the concourse areas.

Training 4 Forces • Supporting ex-servicemen and women from the local armed forces community with the training and skills to help them get back into employment and thrive in society.

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Football 4 Forces • Improving the physical health and mental wellbeing of veterans, helping them to feel less socially isolated through football sessions, lifestyle workshops and the opportunity to complete coaching qualifications.

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Women’s Recreational Football • Part of Wigan and Leigh’s Euro 2022 legacy to increase female participation in the game through different activities.

• Activities on offer include Walking Football, Soccercise as well as the chance to volunteer and help deliver sessions.

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AGEING WELL Extra Time (The Supporters Project) • Offers those at risk of loneliness and social isolation somewhere safe to come and meet likeminded people and to keep themselves physically and mentally active.

• Over 100 members attend two weekly sessions at the DW Stadium and Leigh Miners.

• Activities include table tennis, quizzes, dance, virtual online sessions, walking groups, crazy golf and crown green bowls.

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IMPROVED HEALTH:

59%

OF OVER 55s INCREASED THEIR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS

CREATING STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES:

67%

OF PARTICIPANTS FELT LESS SOCIALLY ISOLATED AS A RESULT OF INVOLVEMENT

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PLAYERS IN THE COMMUNITY

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An important part of the work within community activities is the contribution and visits players make across the wide-ranging programmes on offer.

Kyle Joseph and Chris Merrie joined participants from a range of programmes including Football 4 Forces, Extra Time and Premier League Kicks.

Throughout the season and where restrictions have allowed, Latics’ players at all levels have continued to make a vital impact to the work of the club’s official charity and helped to create life changing memories for supporters and participants. From sharing their experiences on racism in the game with pupils on the Premier League Primary Stars programme to helping support the launch of new projects, Latics’ players have been involved in many of the Trust’s initiatives throughout the year.

During a lull in the action, Extra Time participant Bernie Green asked Tom what he would have been if he had not been a footballer, when he said he would have been a gardener. Bernie was quick to say he was welcome to come and help with her garden any time he liked.

The Club’s first team manager, Leam Richardson, has continued to be a big supporter of the Community Trust’s work and highlighted the importance of the players’ involvement in the community however big or small.

“It was a bit cold but it’s been enjoyable and I enjoy gardening so when I was asked to come I was more than happy to help.

To still be able to make these visits or meet people at different virtual events is important and it’s a pleasure to be involved in the community and meet and speak to people like Bernie about football or other things off the pitch.”

“[Community engagement] is imperative no matter what time of year it is but especially with what the last 18 months has thrown at us,” he explained. “The Community Trust do a great job and fantastic work with the projects and initiatives around the town and it makes you as proud as a 90th minute winner going in.

“There are so many people getting so much vital help in certain things however young or old and if we can get out there – even if it’s a small act of kindness we can bring to kids and families – then for me it’s well worth doing.

“The players are role models and represent the town, the Football Club, the shirt but also themselves. When they can give something back however big or small, I know the lads take great pleasure in giving up their time to work with the Community Trust and the Football Club.”

In March, the Community Trust organised a virtual intergenerational watchalong event for Latics’ 2-0 win away at Plymouth Argyle, where first team players Tom Pearce,

Two weeks later, Tom found himself in Bernie’s garden getting his hands dirty and helping with the gardening!

First team stars have also been joined by the club’s U23 and U18 players, who have visited events individually as part of their development through the club’s scholarship programme.

Visits by many of the Club’s young stars has supported them with their development through the use of personal, social and life skills - including Arthur Lomax who attended the relaunch of the Kids on the Move project – a programme that helps youngsters become school ready before making the transition from nursey.

He said: “For me it’s very important for kids that age as they are learning different things and are at that age where they’re going from nursery to primary school which is a big thing for them.

“The club has a massive connection with the community and for us coming in and wearing the badge is great, representing the club and making a change to a kid’s young life and helping them learn new things makes me very proud.”

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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Wigan Athletic Community Trust is committed to celebrating and promoting equality and diversity in everything it does.

Other highlights include:

During 2020/21:

• Sponsoring Wigan Pride for a fifth year with continued support for the LGBTQ+ community through the Rainbow Laces campaign

• 41% of participants across its programmes were women and girls • 5% of participants were from a BAME background • 6% of participants taking part across its programmes have a disability • 31% of staff working for the Trust are female

• Over 80 young people from different communities coming together to take part in a Kick It Out football tournament • Engaging with leaders from Wigan Mosque to re-establish a new football session for young people who attend • Supporting the ‘Football Welcomes’ initiative by offering refugees the chance to play football with weekly sessions provided for Afghan refugees • The celebration of Black History Month with a virtual Show Racism the Red Card workshop with primary school pupils • Starting new women and girls’ specific football and sport sessions through the Euro 2022 legacy programme.

• Providing Autism Friends and Dementia Friendly training to staff across the organisation • Running a football festival for over 60 adults with disabilities at Stadium Way • Providing free ear defenders for junior supporters with autism • Securing funding from the Supporters Club to help adults over 55 who are socially isolated with phone calls, garden gate visits and the delivery of activity packs • Supporting Wigan Council to deliver the Holiday Activities and Food camps to ensure holiday activity is financially inclusive for families with children on free school meals

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION Wigan Athletic Community Trust enjoyed a positive financial year between September 1st 2020 and August 2021 and was able to generate a surplus for the year of £117,301.

Additional funding received through the Holiday Activity Fund programme, managed by Wigan Council, provided significant new investment alongside other new funding streams from Sport England and the FA to promote women’s football linked to the 2022 Women’s European Football Championships.

The Community Trust also secured new income from Sport England, the National Lottery Fund, Substance and Wigan Council as part of a national programme for young people called Life Chances.

Alongside this income the Community Trust continued to be grateful to the on-going support of national partners the Premier League Charitable Fund and the EFL Trust, whose investment is often match funded by local partners Wigan Council.

Overall, for the year the Community Trust’s income was £1,328,197 while expenditure for the period was £1,210,896.* The surplus generated helped to negate the issues of the previous financial year when due to the implication of COVID 19 the charity had reported a deficit of £74,252.

It also helped to support the office re-location for the Community Trust when it moved from its former home at Montrose Skills Hub to new headquarters and classrooms at the Robin Park Leisure Centre, while maintaining positive levels of reserves.

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For more information about the Community Trust’s financial information and history, please visit the Charities Commission website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charitycommission. *All financial information relates to accounts before they were audited, which is scheduled to be completed in February 2022.

WIGAN ATHLETIC COMMUNITY TRUST: BOARD OF TRUSTEES • Phillip Williams (Chairman) • Mal Brannigan (Company Secretary, Chief Executive/Director, Wigan Athletic FC) • Councillor David Molyneux (Leader, Wigan Council) • Philip Ivory (Headteacher, St Georges Primary School) • Cathy Robinson (Wigan School Games Organiser) • Jonathan Jackson (Former Director, Wigan Athletic FC) • Jenny Meadows (Retired professional athlete, World and European medallist) • Emmerson Boyce (Former Wigan Athletic player and captain) • Claire Evans (Chief Executive, 4CT) • Caroline Molyneux (Deputy Headteacher Sharples High School, Chairwoman Wigan Athletic Supporters Club)

INCOME 2020/21

EXPENDITURE 2020/21

Premier League

£397,500

34%

Delivery staff

£944,639

79%

EFL Trust

£35,000

3%

Travel expenses

£18,835

3%

Schools Services and Football activities

£238,731

11%

Overheads

£92,610

5%

Training and Skills

£115,258

9%

Kit and equipment

£11,038

2%

NCS

£114,120

14%

Facilities and activities

£48,670

4%

Other grants

£414,109

27%

Training and accreditation

£9,856

1%

Sponsorship/Fundraising

£13,479

2%

Other

£85,248

6%

Total

£1,328,197

100%

Total

£1,210,896

100%

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OUR PARTNERS

OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB

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For more information about Wigan Athletic Community Trust and to find out how you could support us to continue to make a difference to the lives of thousands of people in Wigan, please contact: Tom Flower, Head of Community | 01942 318 090 | t.flower@wiganathletic.com wiganathletic.com/community | Twitter: @LaticsCommunity Wigan Athletic Community Trust, ​Robin Park Leisure Centre, Loire Drive, Newtown, Wigan , WN5 0UL

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Wigan Athletic Community Trust Call: 01942 318090 Email: community@wiganathletic.com wiganathletic.com

@LaticsCommunity Registered Charity Number 1120745