Testimonials
Since 2018, Poole Town Kids Initiative has helped a number of groups and individuals access football. Below are some words from just a few of the grateful recipients of this scheme.
Laura Bennett (Headteacher - Hillbourne Primary School)
Poole Town FC has a proud tradition of being a strong community club, dedicated to enriching the lives of local children through their inspiring Kids Initiative. This program has had a profound impact on the Year 6 pupils at Hillbourne Primary School, helping them develop key life skills, resilience, and teamwork.
Andy and Richard have worked tirelessly to support the pupils, encouraging them to make the right choices and work together effectively as well as supporting the school with football kit, football shoes and goals.
The lunchtime football club has further inspired pupils to bring this same drive and determination into the classroom, not only improving their academic efforts but also shaping their attitudes toward their peers with respect and cooperation.
Hillbourne Primary School cannot thank Poole Town Football Club and their Kids Initiative enough for the clear and lasting impact they have had on all.
Margaret Harris (St Aldhelms Academy)
We meet once a week for 45mins 6 to 8 young people equal girls to boys from the same year, all young people are chosen to build their self-esteem, listening skills and general wellbeing.
We mix and match the group and get them to think about working together and to encourage each other also to
respect everyone involved and most of all LISTEN. Each week we play two or three different games involving balls and cones we do this in the Muga, young people are encouraged to bring their own games and to work together to make up games .
After the session we have a debrief and a medal is given by Andy to a young person who deserves it, all different reasons are given from being supportive to others to being the most upbeat student, every one claps and says well done, everyone will get a medal during the term. I saw confidence grow in each young person, also very happy young people, who spent 10mins after the session chatting to each other.
Andy from Poole Town Football Club built a good relationship with each young person, he encouraged them and supported them even fastens there laces at times, its good to work with him and the young people.
Ali Sinclair (Head of Oakdale Junior School)
We are always extremely grateful to have so many opportunities to work closely with Poole Town Football Club! This term Coach Andy has come into Oakdale to provide an amazing lunchtime football club for our Year 5 and 6 girls. Andy's dedication and commitment has had a significant impact on our children, allowing them to develop their football skills as well as essential teamwork skills that they can use beyond the pitch. The girls have embraced the responsibility of managing rule / game changes and forming teams independently, which has greatly boosted their confidence and understanding of the game.
A heartfelt thank you for the transformation we've witnessed in our children. One girl, who initially felt overwhelmed and unsure, has transformed into a confident player, actively participating and enjoying the game. This remarkable progress is a testament to the opportunities and encouragement provided by Andy.
Liz Davies (Lead Co-ordinator – The Shine Project)
Session 4 of our programme focusses on the benefits of physical exercise towards positive mental health. In this session we have been privileged to have various members from Poole Town FC attend the session and run a physical activity for the boys to show them how they can make adding exercise into their daily activities as something that is fun and builds friendships as well as improving physical health.
Andy White has supported many of these sessions and in the most recent one at St Edwards he was able to engage a wide range of abilities in fun and engaging activities. There was one young lad in particular who struggles to make friends and through the activities delivered by Andy the rest of the boys were encouraged to include him as a valued team member. Since the session I have observed an increased confidence in this young man as well as more support from the rest of the group to include him in a positive way.
Poole Town FC Kids Initiative has helped us deliver fun and engaging active sessions for children in different settings. Combining football and exercise to suit the participant's abilities, it allows the children to learn different types of activity which can be easily recreated at home or school where space and/or equipment may be limited. This has encouraged the children to recognise the benefits of exercise and develop what they have learned to further their wellbeing. It has been a great complement to the subjects delivered on the Thrive course.
K Ross (Parent of an attendee)
My son attended the free sessions that were hosted by Poole Town FC Kids Initiative for a couple of years. These sessions really helped him gain confidence that he may otherwise may not have, due to his medical issues. These sessions helped him engage with different children whilst playing football and having fun.
As a result of this, he has found the confidence to think about joining a mainstream football team to start his own personal journey.
This would not have been possible without the help of the Kids Initiative
L Conroy (Parent of an attendee)
My daughter came along to the girls only free sessions. At the end of the first session, the coach approached me an politely told me that these sessions were for children not involved with teams. My daughter had never been part of a team, which shocked the coach as he saw great potential!
She continued with the sessions for many months and Andy then spoke to me about getting her into a team. Poole Town FC Wessex did not have any spaces at her age group, but Andy put some calls into other clubs he knew. She joined a team shortly after.
She is now playing football every week, has been the captain and has recently enjoyed some success in winning a league!
This all stemmed from the opportunity she was given by the Kids Initiative, which we are grateful for.
V Mahon (Parent of an attendee)
I just wanted to let you know how extremely grateful I am for the Tuesday football sessions held at the grammar school.
This is such a lovely club, well coached, with a group of really friendly, well-mannered children who have come together as a team offering mutual support and respect for each other.
I find the session extremely inclusive for children such as my own who perhaps enjoy having a kick around and developing skills, without the full pressure of being picked for a team or competitiveness.
Please extend my thanks to all who come together to put these sessions on for our children.
