When Brentford face Leeds United at Griffin Park on Tuesday, the impact that young people from West London have had on the National Citizen Service, a youth programme aimed at 16-17-year-olds, will be celebrated. Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, which delivers NCS in the area, will lead the celebrations on the day. And there will be full backing from Brentford FC

The awareness raising campaign, #NCSMatchday, is being organised by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. On the day, a handful of teenagers will take part in Griffin Park’s prestigious Guard of Honour and information about the programme will be available to young Bees fans who are interested in taking part. In 2019, young people from EFL Trust’s network delivered over 650 Social Action Projects, volunteered over 260,000 hours of social action and raised over £230,000 for local charities and causes.

The celebration, supported by Brentford FC, will be part of a wider campaign by the EFL Trust, the charitable arm of EFL. The campaign will see #NCSMatchday reach over 36 EFL and Premier League clubs across the country – highlighting the positive work that young people have done in their local community. In 2019, #NCSMatchday reached more than 2m people, with more than 450 footballers players across the country celebrating NCS and the young people who have given back to the local community.

Ben Grummit, a graduate of the NCS programme last year, felt the experience had a profound impact on him. 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 goalkeeper David Raya also endorsed the programme. He said: “I am proud to support the Trust’s NCS programme at the Leeds match. It is a programme offering young people a once-in-a-life opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills that will equip them for the future.”

NCS is a flagship government initiative that provides young people aged 16-17 the chance to take on new challenges, experience exciting activities, make long-lasting friendships and develop vital skills that will support them later in life. Supporting young people’s transition to adulthood, the programme develops their strength of character, giving a sense of purpose, optimism and belonging. To sign up for our NCS programme contact us at [email protected].