PL/PFA Trainee & Mentoring Scheme
West Ham United Community Sports Trust's flagship Trainee & Mentoring scheme enables young people aged 18 to 25 to receive mentoring from the Community Trust's coach educators, and deliver high quality coaching to over 1,000 primary school pupils every week.
The project aims to generate a lasting legacy of dynamic coaches who serve as outstanding role models, both for their peers and the young children who attend the sessions. Each intake of graduates will be retained as supervisors for the following year, ensuring that the principles of the project are maintained.
The process counteracts the negative stereotyping so frequently directed towards young people, and highlights the positive contribution the club is making by empowering local communities. Trainees progress through a graduated development programme underpinned by team-teaching and mentored supervision from the Community Scheme's coach education staff.
As part of their continuing professional development trainees attend Home Matches, first team and academy training sessions, and work alongside academy coaches in club development. The trainees take knowledge and inspiration from working alongside Gianfranco Zola and the first team players, which enhances their awareness and confidence to educate young participants.