A FOOTBALL club has joined forces with a children’s charity to help young people find jobs.

Guiseley AFC is working with Action for Children to develop a new employability programme that will support vulnerable young people across West Yorkshire who are struggling to find employment.

The pilot initiative uses the power of sport to inspire and educate young people, offering them the opportunity to gain essential, hands-on, practical work experience and employment skills through a range of internships.

The programme will work closely with young people to develop vocational skills such as CV writing, interview preparation and work place experience. It also aims to help build their self-esteem and confidence.

Carol Iddon, director of children services at Action for Children, said: “We believe that sports clubs have the ability to play an important role in their communities by contributing to the wellbeing and self-esteem of young people.

“We are proud to work in partnership with Guiseley AFC to deliver this exciting initiative.

“Together we can raise the aspirations of young people, helping to prepare them practically and emotionally for the world of work.”

Phil Rogerson, chairman at Guiseley AFC, added: “We’re delighted to be able to work alongside Action for Children to help young people around Leeds to gain skills and become more employable.

“We’re hopeful of gaining planning permission and then these young people can be a part of developing Nethermoor into a 21st century sports and community venue.

“This is just the latest in a number of community-centred initiatives that we are involved in, including numerous charity events and our thriving Youth Academy and we are convinced it will prove to be a fruitful partnership.”

Action for Children is one of the UKs largest children’s charities and speaks out for the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and neglected children and young people.

It works directly with more than 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers as well as running 650 services across the UK For further information about the charity, the work it does and how you can get involved, please visit actionforchildren.org.uk.