A HEALTHCARE provider is supporting York City Football Club Foundation with an initiative that aims to make a real difference to local children.

York-based Benenden is helping the Foundation to provide 150 fully funded days on their ever-popular courses running in each school holiday.

Through Benenden’s sponsorship, the Foundation is able to offer local underprivileged children the opportunity to be involved in a range of sports activities, whilst also offering them snacks and a packed lunch each day throughout the school holidays.

So far this season, more than 20 families with children aged between four and 12-years- old have benefitted through the new Holiday Club scheme, where all attendees have access to five fun-filled hours of football each day.

Benenden said courses have so far given relief to both parents who are due to undergo cancer treatment and children acting as care-givers.

Paula Stainton, YCFC Foundation Manager, said: “This has been a fantastic initiative so far. We are over the moon to be able to provide funded places, along with ensuring that the young people attending have access to nutritional snacks and meals to make sure they are catered for properly when the stability of school isn’t there, thanks to valuable support from Benenden.”

“The young people come from a variety of backgrounds and home lives, and we are able to use the power of football as a positive influence to engage them and allow them to potentially try new things; meet new people and gain new skills.”

Applications for the Foundation’s Easter holiday courses are currently being welcomed until tomorrow (March 14) from schools, practitioners and agencies within the area. There are a variety of courses available.

There is a ‘Fun’ course - aimed at all levels, a ‘Girls’ course - which is female only, and an ‘Elite’ course - for older and more advanced players.

To apply for a funded place for a child, email paula@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk for an application form, or phone the Foundation office for more information on 01904 559508.