The programme notes from last Thursday's play-off programme
These programme notes were written by head of the Town Community Trust, Kevin Thoburn, for last Thursday's edition of Talk Of The Town.
With the season coming to an exciting end it marks the start of a busy summer for the Trust staff, particularly with our community weekend of events at the stadium starting tomorrow.
Our Schools Disability Cup and Integration Cup along with the Hatters Cup will see almost 2,000 participants play on the pitch over this weekend and the following weekend we’re off to Holland with 150 development boys to take part in the 2017 Juliana Cup.
During the summer, we have lots of new courses taking place – some of which we list in the next four pages including our second Man V Fat project.
MAN V FAT FOOTBALL - NEW FREE LEAGUE STARTING IN JUNE
Our first Man V Fat league 1 has just finished and been declared a huge success by our partners LiveWell Luton as they announced the total weight loss by over 60 participants was a massive 227 kg – that’s like losing a couple of full-backs!
On the pitch, it was a closely fought battle between two teams for the league title, however Exeter Gently came out on top, winning the league by four points after 14 games. With additional goals for the teams weight loss, Exeter Gently FC won through a combination of their motivation to lose weight as well as their skill on the pitch. Everyone weighs in before games and then the goals from the game are added to bonus goals teams can earn through their performance on the scales. The process ‘gamifies’ weight loss and makes this the only league where (weight) losers actually win!
Our first season has been such a success that we are starting Season 2 of our Man v Fat League straight away at Lea Manor Recreation Centre every Monday at 7.30 pm starting from 5th June. Remember, MAN v FAT football is a 14-week league for any man who wants to lose weight. Games are decided on weight loss as well as results and you get 24/7 support to help you. You can join on your own or with a mate or as a team and see how 95% of MAN v FAT footballers lose weight and get fitter.
There are goals bonuses available for weight loss and with an average weight loss over the 14 weeks of 22lbs, it is a proven and effective way to lose weight while playing with your mates – just ask the guys who have just finished season one.
The leagues will again be run by the Hatters Community Trust coaching staff and best of all, the whole programme is free. To date we have over 50 players signed and registered to start in next month, so it promises to be a really popular event again. To sign up simply visit www.MANVFAT.COM/FOOTBALL or call 0845 1630042 or drop the guys an email at football@manvfat.com
SKILLS PERFORMANCE CENTRES
TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAMME TERM 4 MAY TO JULY 2017
This week sees the start of Term 4 of our 2017 Skills Performance Centre talent identification programme which feeds into our youth development structure.
We have 12 regional football development centres, with three in Luton, open to all youngsters aged from school year two up to year 11. The Skills coaching centres offer a nine-week programme ending with a trial match for everyone. Successful boys then progress onto our centre of excellence and pre-academy development centres with eventual pathways into our youth academy.
Our successful ‘Skills’ Development Programme is now in its ninth year of operation and provides high quality coaching for up and coming young footballers. Whether you’re an ambitious player wanting to progress towards becoming a professional, or a newcomer wanting to develop the basics, the Skills Programme has something to offer you. This season 25 players have been signed into our development programme through the Skills programme, which continues to be a successful recruitment route for local players. The cost is £45 per term, which includes nine practical sessions and one assessment trial match, and all players will receive a report on their personal development during the nine-week programme.
Our weekly centres run in Arlesey, Bedford, Dunstable, Flitwick/Ampthill, Harpenden, Kempston, Leighton Buzzard, Luton (3), Milton Keynes, and St Albans, and if you would like
further information on the programme simply ring the Community Trust office on 01582 737568 or email us at tips@lutontown.co.uk for an information leaflet.
COULD YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY BECOMING A TRUSTEE OF THE LUTON TOWN FC COMMUNITY TRUST?
The Luton Town FC Community Trust is a registered charity and delivers sports activities, coaching and educational services to around 3,000 school children, students, adults and children and adults with disabilities in Luton and Bedfordshire provided by a staff of over 40 full and parttime qualified sports coaches and teaching staff.
The Board is looking to appoint up to two additional Trustees, who will complement the skills and experiences of the existing Board and provide strategic direction for the Trust and its growing portfolio of social projects. New Trustees will have a passion about increasing opportunities and will want to make a real difference for the local community. As we have a desire to recruit Trustees that reflect the make-up of the local community, we would particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups as defined within the Equality Act 2010.
If you are interested email kevin.thoburn@lutontown.co.uk for a copy of the information and application pack. If you would like an informal conversation about the role or the application and selection process, please contact Kevin Thoburn, Head of Community Trust, at the Community offices on 01582 737568.