OSSIE MEETS TRUST KIDS

Monday 23 November 2009, 16:00
by Paul Dargan @YourEverton

Leon Osman met a group of young people from Netherton at Finch Farm on Monday afternoon and faced a barrage of questions!

The youngsters (aged 16-25) are currently on a Prince’s Trust course to help them improve their skills and find work and Leon is Everton’s Prince’s Trust ambassador.

He was asked about being a professional footballer and how he stays focused and healthy. The Q&A session is part of the 12-week TEAM programme run locally by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service to improve young people’s motivation and confidence while giving them qualifications.

“I always enjoy this type of thing,” he said. “The kids seem to like it too. I volunteered to be our ambassador when Beats (James Beattie) left.

“I’d watched him do a few things and I thought it would be something that would suit me.”

Sharron Hawkins, Prince’s Trust Sport Development Manager, said: “Meeting a professional footballer motivates the group and can help them understand the importance of issues like self- confidence, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.

“Everton have been absolutely fantastic in their support.”

The Toffees are one of over 60 professional football clubs working with The Prince’s Trust to support young people in the local community as part of the Football Initiative.

With the support of the Premier League, PFA and the Football Foundation, The Trust has changed more than 12,000 young lives since 1997.

The Premiership clubs support the TEAM programme with additional activities such as behind the scenes tours, health and exercise sessions, signed merchandise to help with fundraising and player appearances to attract young people to complete The Prince’s Trust Team programme.