The Chancellor of the Exchequer has praised a new EFL scheme launched yesterday. Around 500 young people will have the opportunity to work in an EFL club or club community organisation as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme. More than 60 EFL clubs have signed up to be involved and offering six-month work placement jobs roles to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit.

The aim of the initiative is to give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace as well as to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work. Vacancies at clubs and their charitable arms, such as Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, will include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film and photography and HR and data administration roles. See the full story here.

The EFL's involvement in the scheme has been praised by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor. Kickstart was created late last year as part of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak. It gives young people the opportunity they need to get their foot on the ladder and a foothold in the world of work. Nationally, the scheme has already created more than 38,000 vacancies across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers. Tens of thousands more jobs are expected in the coming months.

“Young people have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, but their talent will be vital in our national effort to recover from the pandemic,” Sunak said. “That’s why we’re giving tens of thousands of unemployed young people hope and opportunity with paid jobs in some of the most exciting industries — and with the support of the EFL, this now includes 500 roles in the beautiful game, helping to kick start the careers of talented young people in clubs across the country.”