The Learning Centre at Falkirk Football Club aims to help unemployed, disengaged, and disadvantaged individuals in the local community by providing employability programs focused on confidence building, motivation, and barrier removal through sport and physical activity. They work with groups like the long-term unemployed, lone parents, disengaged youth, ex-offenders, and those with substance abuse or mental health issues. Their programs have led to outcomes like increased confidence, employment, education, and volunteering for participants.

1. The Learning Centre @ Falkirk Football Club

2. Our Aim..... ‘ To contribute towards our local community by providing a platform for personal growth in all aspects covered by our ‘PEEPS’ methodology.’

3. What we do.... The Learning Centre delivers employability programmes for members of the local community, focusing on motivation, confidence and barrier removal through sport and physical activity. Our goal is to help people help themselves.

4. Who we work with….. Long term unemployed Lone parents Disengaged youths School pupils and school leavers Ex-offenders Homeless People recovering from substance abuse issues People suffering from mental health issues

6. Outcomes... Increased confidence Increased motivation Understanding of the workplace Employment Further education Volunteering Work placements Apprenticeships Increased attendance for young people ( from around 24% to 98% )

7. Ricky Sharp – Falkirk Council Kickstart At first I wasn’t sure of joining the course because there were guys from other areas and thought there might be trouble. I was glad I did join up coz the Falkirk FC workers treated us like adults and we became a good team (even the girls). I got a trainee mechanics placement out of it and learnt a lot. My gran was very proud of me when I got an award at the Falkirk FC presentation night for over coming barriers. Craig Allan - Falkirk Council Kickstart Really enjoyed the course, met some good people. I am very happy to be working with Land Engineering. David Ferguson - Activate The course was interesting it helped me mature and realise I need to stick in to get a job, it has improved my knowledge of a C.V. William Ingles - Activate I’ve liked the course, its been good. It has helped me build up my confidence and interview skill. It has also made me think more about trying to get a job.

8. Our partners... JobCentre Plus Skills Development Scotland Falkirk Council Scottish Qualifications Authority BCS FDAMH Falkirk Advocacy Council Central Region Equality Council Falkirk Football Community Foundation Forth Valley College University of Stirling

9. Some of the companies who engage with the Learning Centre.... ASDA The Best of Falkirk HEROTsc Transport Scotland Bear Scotland Moirs Residential Cleaning Falkirk Association of Business Tapside

10. We Need You..... Your time Could you spare a few hours to conduct mock interviews? Your story Would you share your career story to inspire and motivate others? Your consideration Could you consider using the Learning Centre the next time you need staff? Your business Could you use the Learning Centre to train your staff in things like ECDL or First Aid? Your workplace Could you provide work experience or work placements?

11. The chance to make a REAL difference..... Your sponsorship will allow us to buy football boots and kit so that everyone can get active whether they can afford to or not Your sponsorship will allow us to buy bikes or ‘pay and go’ phones for people so they can get a job and go to work

12. The chance to make a REAL difference..... Your sponsorship can allow us to buy interview clothes for those who can’t afford them Your sponsorship can allow us to deliver free programmes for minority groups like Single Parents

13. What’s in it for you and your organisation? Corporate Responsibility The opportunity to fulfil your commitment to the community in a unique and alternative way that really makes a difference to the lives of others P.R Media opportunities and association with a nationally recognised brand and award winning community set up

14. What’s in it for you and your organisation? Opportunity and brand awareness Logo and website link from our website www.learningcentreffc.co.uk and www.falkirkfc.co.uk Copy in the match day programme, Falkirk and District Post ( circ. 7000 ) and press launch of sponsorship Logo on any kit supplied through sponsorship Active involvement in making change, tackling unemployment and decreasing child poverty Trackside board and ‘in support of Learning Centre’ marketing* Access to network events *Dependant on sponsorship package

15. Case Studies... Robert – 53 Robert had been unemployed for over 30 years after struggling with an addiction toalcohol following the breakup of his marriage at an early age. He had always had difficulty maintaining a home and paying the bills, especially as most of his money was spent on alcohol and was in temporary accommodation, making it difficult to secure work. After finally getting sober he came to FFC. We helped for him to access a deposit scheme so that he could finally rent a flat. We assisted him in finding furniture for his new home and even helped him move his belongings. We helped him set out a budget to stick to making him more comfortable about maintaining his sobriety and he went on to secure a handyman’s job at MacDonald’s. His first in over 30 years! HE IS STILL THERE 3 YEARS LATER!

16. Case Studies... Johnny – 16 When Johnny came to FFC we were told he was illiterate and would need a scribe, which we provided. We noticed that Johnny struggled to see the board and asked him if he had ever had his eyes tested. He said no. We asked his mum if we could arrange an appointment. She said she didn’t care as long as she didn’t have to pay for anything or have to take him herself. We took Johnny to the opticians and it turned out he did need glasses. He picked a frame and we organised his glasses through the NHS. A member of staff picked up the glasses so he didn’t miss his football session. Johnny ended you taking himself off to the Library and teaching himself to read using Mr Men books. Johnny was never illiterate – he just couldn’t see. He went on to secure an apprenticeship after years of being disengaged from school. A MASSIVE PERSONAL ACHIEVEMNT FOR JOHNNY!

17. The Statistics * Progression into employment, further education, volunteering and apprenticeships 76% rate* ( during recession ) Significant reduction in child poverty through parents returning to work We have a 95% success rate* ( pre recession ) Engaged with nearly 1000 people locally Clydesdale Bank's Scottish Premier League 'Best Community Initiative 07/08' Award Falkirk Community Business of the Year 07/08 Business in the Community

18. Pictures speak a thousand words....

19. The Learning Centre @ Falkirk Football Club Be Part of Something Special....