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What is the Education Aim?

"To use the emotive power of sport as a support mechanism for learning strategies by continuing to work with education professionals to contribute to the improvement in pupil's attainment and confidence."

‘Be the best that you can…’

‘Be the best that you can.’ This was the advice given by guest speaker Steve Bradshaw, CEO of CUCST, to the assembled youngsters and their supporters at the Playing for Success awards evening. Wise words emphasising the objectives of this project, which aims to support children develop both their learning skills and learning confidence.

It was a great evening, despite the freezing conditions. The Terry Sutton Hall at the Shrub End Community and Sports Centre was packed with families and staff from participating schools who were able to enjoy watching the children showcase some of the work completed during the 10 week programme.

Mark Cousins was a very welcome guest, presenting a multitude of prizes for participation, effort and achievement.

Trophy winners for the most positive attitude were:Ashama Franks – St Michaels Junior School PFS

Bradley Taylor – Willowbrook Primary School
Kerry Riseborough – Alderman Blaxill
Max Foley – Monkwick Juniors
Tegan Sillet – Stanway Primary

Trophy winners for the greatest improvement were:

Charlie Moat – St Michaels Junior School
Rebekah Grego – Willowbrook Primary School
Ruth Anne Davis – Alderman Blaxill
Matthew Wyeth – Monkwick Juniors
Jules Gibson – Stanway Juniors

Thanks must go to everyone who support this project but especially to the East of England Co-Op for providing the drinks and nibbles at awards, the chaperones from the schools who accompany the children every week and our wonderful volunteer mentors: Adam, Pete, Sue, Chiara and Tori who add so much value to what we do and really help us to be the best that we can!

Supporters Turned Reporters.

Supporters Turned Reporters

Supporters Turned Reporters

Shrub End Community & Sports Centre was bustling on Tuesday 20th November when 24 aspiring journalists came from local schools, as part of the Playing for Success project, to learn about sports reporting.

These talented youngsters from Alderman Blaxill, TLA, Stanway School & SCLAC joined Education staff and local reporter Jon Waldron, from the Colchester Gazette, as CUCST guests for the day.

Following a stadium tour of Layer Road, the Year 9 youngsters participated in a range of learning activities designed to improve their writing skills.
Armed with press passes they watched the local reserves derby vs. Southend then produced a match report. The winning entry will be published on the CUCST & CUFC websites and also feature in the Colchester Gazette – watch this space, you could be reading the first published work of a future World famous journalist!!

U’S DEFEATED AT HOME

COLCHESTER UNITED 1

SOUTHEND UNITED 3

A reserves match at the Layer Road ground against Southend United kicked off at 2p.m. A small, but enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch the Pontins Holiday Combination League match.

The first half was action packed and the teams showed plenty of energy and much team spirit. In the first fifteen minutes Colchester’s Thomas Webb tested Southend’s goalkeeper as his shot skimmed the outside of the post. Shortly afterwards, Gary Hooper gave Mark Cousins a fright with a scorching shot but a confident Cousins held his nerve and made a great save. Colchester couldn’t capitalize on their chances when Anthony Wordsworth missed a free shot on goal. On the fifteenth minute, Ricky Byrne blasted from the edge of the 10-yard box giving Southend a deserved lead. The Shrimpers kept Colchester under constant pressure and were rewarded with a Charlie McDonald goal just under ten minutes later. Colchester came back with a flurry of determination and Kevin McLeod beat Daryl Flahavan with a great effort. Only two minutes later, Southend’s Ade Osifuwa broke the U’s spirit with another fine goal. Colchester had one more real chance, but missed the opportunity and went in at half time 3-1 down.

The second half was rather slow and uneventful, which will have disappointed Peter Taylor, Stevenage manager and former coach of England’s under 21 team, who attended the match. With a healthy lead, Southend beefed up their defences and Colchester never really threatened to score, even after changing a couple of their players. The best chances fell to the Shrimpers, but they lacked the sharpness they showed from the first half. Simon Francis probably felt rather hard done by after missing several chances to score. Southend left Colchester with the 3 points they deserved.

By Emma Jackson
Stanway School
Written in tribute to Alexander Launder, who passed away tragically in Layer road on 23rd November and who was a keen footballer.

11th January 2008

Colchester United Community Sports Trust: 'Changing Lives and Communities Through Sport'