David Sheepshanks, appointed joint-acting chairman of the FA earlier in the week, was at Portman Road on Thursday to congratulate students on completing the Prince’s Trust TEAM programme, which is run under the banner of the club’s Community Trust. Sheepshanks remains the chairman of the Community Trust, as well as chairing the PLC which owns 12.5% of Town and being a member of the club board.
Sheepshanks, who due to his continuing involvement with the Blues can't become the FA's chairman on a permanent basis, said: "The Prince’s Trust provides a most wonderful opportunity for young people to come together in small groups, make new friends, test themselves with various challenges, and in so doing, rediscover their self-belief and motivation in life.
"Very often they are people who need a break because they are out of work, out of confidence, out of luck and sometimes all three.
"The group of young people who collected their certificates were the latest to benefit in such a way. With the tremendous support of the Ipswich Town Community Trust team leaders [David Smith, Andy Leeson and Sarah Holmes], these young people see their lives, their prospects and feeling of self-worth transformed in the space of just 12 weeks.
"In short, it is a concentrated personal development course, and importantly, at the conclusion, each individual steps forward to talk about what they have learnt and how they wish to apply it.
"I found the graduation as moving and inspirational as every other one that I have attended, and I wish every one of these special young people the very best of luck!”
Due to the success of previous TEAM programmes at Portman Road and funding from the Learning Skills Council, the Community Trust were given the opportunity to run two programmes simultaneously for the first time with another group of youngsters completing the scheme just over a month ago.
Community Trust operations director Matthew Try says this is a feather it the Trust’s cap: "Having helped double the amount of students this time is a great achievement for the Trust and something we hope to build on for the future.”
Town were the first club to become a direct delivery partner for the Prince’s Trust TEAM programme, which is aimed at unemployed 16-25-year-olds. The initiative offers support and help to those looking to make positive life decisions and move on to new opportunities, including employment.
The course lasts 12 weeks and includes a variety of activities which help those involved to reach their ultimate goals. The course activities included a residential military experience trip, fundraising, helping organisations and charities in the local community and work experience.
If you would like more information about the Prince’s Trust TEAM programme at Portman Road, contact David Smith on (01473) 400576 or e-mail david.smith@itfc.co.uk.