IT'S THE NCS MATCH DAY!

At tonight’s game against Doncaster Rovers, local students that are signed up for the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme this summer will enjoy VIP treatment inside the stadium to launch NCS Match Day.

The event, supported by Cambridge United and Cambridge United Community Trust, will launch the national two week NCS Match Day activity, highlighting the positive work that young people have done in their local community.  NCS Match Day is the brainchild of the EFL Trust, and delivered by English league clubs right across the country.

NCS is a nationwide experience for year 11’s and 12’s. It is a chance for teens to shake things up and develop new skills for whatever post-GCSE life has to throw at them. It changes how teens see the world and has a huge impact on communities across the UK with over 1.9 million hours of social action taking place across the country – the equivalent to building 74 Olympic Stadiums and 1 The Great Wall of China. 

Cambridge United Scholar and NCS grad Tom Knowles, 17, said: “NCS has been an amazing experience. It’s not a chance that is offered to you every day; it’s a once in a life time opportunity.

“NCS has developed me into a mature young adult and has equipped me with many life skills which will benefit me in the future.”

First-team player, Mark Roberts is a big supporter of the programme: "I think NCS is brilliant. It gives young people the chance to experience a variety of activities and challenges whilst building new friendships and benefitting the local community. 

"Ultimately, NCS lays a solid foundation for these guys to go on confidently and achieve whatever they want in the future.”

In Cambridge, the NCS programme is delivered by Cambridge United Community Trust, with the support of teens who have already graduated from the programme, and has made its mark on people’s lives and the local community. Participants enjoy a number of fun-filled team activities while away on a residential retreat, before returning to Cambridge to help local charities raise money through various different community-based events, like e.g  car washes and cycling on an exercise bike in the Cleveland Centre. Over 300,000 young people have now participated in NCS.

Daz Coakley, NCS Co-ordinator at Cambridge United believes that more young people in Cambridge can benefit from NCS: “I would encourage any young person to take part in NCS. It is a unique opportunity where you can develop life and employability skills, make new friends and have lots of fun."