Burnley FC in the Community is delighted to announce it has been awarded a further three years of funding from the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PL/PFA) to offer subsidised places to young people visiting Whitehough Outdoor Centre.
Initial funding was granted in 2017, when the Clarets’ official charity began operating the 80-year-old Pendle site which, at the time, was on the brink of closure. Over the course of three years, the funding allowed Burnley FC in the Community to provide 400 subsidised residential places per annum to young people living in some of the most deprived areas in Burnley and Pendle.
Utilised by local schools, the funding reduces the cost of a three-day, two night residential by up to 50% for Year 6 children, with aim of teaching and developing life skills that will aid their transition from primary to secondary education. The new round of funding allows the continuation of the initiative that will, local restrictions permitting, restart in the spring of 2021 and will benefit 1,200 children over the course of three years.
However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we appreciate that some schools may prefer an alternative to the residential experience, which is why we are now also offering subsidised day visits for local schools. This is for the remainder of the 2020/2021 Academic Year initially.
For less than £29.00 per person, Year 6 students can take part in an action-packed day visit. The day will include a series of challenging individual and team activities, two hearty meals and a whole lot of fun! The activities are designed to develop key skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and resilience.
Matt Hargreaves, Head of Facilities for Burnley FC in the Community said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that we can continue this initiative with the help of the PL / PFA fund. Especially now, after the challenging year all children have had, the need to access all the physical and mental health benefits of time spent outdoors is greater than ever.
“We’re tucked away in a beautiful part of the Pendle countryside that feels a million miles away from some of the most built-up areas of our community. The chance to take some time out, learn from nature and be challenged in new ways has and will prove invaluable in these young lives. We extend our thanks to the PL / PFA for continuing their support of this vital initiative.”
The number of subsidised places is limited and is available to local schools on a first come, first served basis only.
For more information on this offer please contact Whitehough’s Centre Manager, Sara Parsons on s.parsons@burnleyfc.com
