When Brentford played Leeds United earlier this month, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust launched its National Citizen Service (NCS) in west London. The awareness raising campaign, #NCSMatchday, was organised nationally and supported by the Trust to recognise the way NCS is delivered in west London. The dedicated game saw a handful of teenagers taking part in Griffin Park’s prestigious Guard of Honour and information about the programme was available to young Bees fans.

The NCS programme, which is funded by the government, offers a four-week programme that helps 16-17-year-olds develop lifelong skills and take on new challenges. The programme includes an activity week in Norfolk, learning valuable life skills at the University of West London and a social action project that NCS students have the scope and independence to shape.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya helped endorse the NCS programme before the game. He said: “I am proud to support the Trust’s NCS programme at the Leeds match. It is a programme that offers young people a unique opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills that will equip them for the future.”

A view echoed by NCS graduate Ben Grummit who benefited from the programme last year. He said: “A project like this shows us different aspects of life that we haven’t had the opportunity to explore – I feel like I have gained important organisational skills that will help me in the future.”

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is delivering the NCS programme to students at the following schools in west London:

The four-week NCS programme will take place during the following dates during summer 2020:

To register your interest email [email protected] or visit www.brentfordfccst.com.