Charity Update - April 2010

Everton star Phil Jagielka took part in training with a twist today when he assisted a coaching session delivered by local students at Childwall Sports College.

The Blues' defender met a group of young people completing a BTEC National Diploma in Football Studies, which is delivered by The Everton Foundation and funded by the Premier League.

The two-year course, which has been delivered by the Foundation for over five years, allows the students to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare them for employment in the sport and leisure industry.

Phil was there as part of the Premier League Creating Chances initiative. "It's great to see young people taking up courses like this and really enjoying it," he said. "The students were really confident and looked really comfortable coaching - I think they did a great job. You never know a future Everton coach may be among them!"

The Everton Foundation Course Leader, James Croxton, added: "I would like to say a huge thank you to Phil for coming down to the college today. The course helps to engage students who are not necessarily suited to traditional courses like A levels, so using football and Everton as a learning tool, we are able to help them achieve great results and progress in the sports industry."

After taking part in a short coaching session, Phil offered his feedback to the students and handed out certificates.

For more information about the BTEC National Diploma in Football Studies visit www.evertonfoundation.org or call 0151 530 5253 to speak to James Croxton.