The results are in….
Huge congratulations to both of our teams representing the North and South regions for their outstanding performance in the Big Goal tournament! From the first training session to the last kick of the tournament both teams displayed great determination and teamwork. It was a really enjoyable experience for all the players and supporters from across the inTEC GROUP. There were many dramatic moments, amazing goals and good sportsmanship (and some fun competition!).
Thank you to everyone at The Street Soccer Foundation who helped to make the three tournaments the great occasions they were – all in support of the young people on their nationally acclaimed Street Soccer Academy programme.
We must make a special mention to inTEC Team South for qualifying for the final after a great tournament at Brentford FC Community Stadium Hub. They will play the rest of the finalists at St George’s Park on Friday, 1 November 2024 – and the team are already really excited about this fantastic opportunity!
inTEC became a founding sponsor of The Big Goal initiative, late last year because of its worthwhile objectives:
- Supporting hundreds of young people in gaining valuable skills through the power of football, helping to change their lives for the better;
- Creating opportunities for young people to assist with work experience, giving them a stepping stone into the world of work within the ICT Channel;
- Unleashing new talent within our sector;
- Driving diversity and inclusion within our industry;
- Creating a unique industry initiative that continues annually, uniting us as one team and making positive change, together.
The Street Soccer Foundation is a sport-for-change charity that was established in 2015. It uses the world’s most popular sport to help vulnerable and homeless young people across the country improve their lives. Their flagship programme, the Street Soccer Academy, is recognised as the best football-led project that addresses youth homelessness in England. It gives young people aged 17-25 (male and female) a chance to learn and grow through a mix of professional football coaching, growth mindset training, and employabilitcused ‘Skills to Succeed’ workshops over ten consecutive weeks. The aim is to prepare participants for work, education or further training after they finish the course.
Academy support
On 7th May 2024, Jane Savvides, Faye Hand, Joe Gerrard and Andrew Jackson from the inTEC GROUP visited the participants of the Street Soccer Academy at Salford City FC’s Foundation 92 – the Academy sponsored by inTEC.
The inTEC team visited the Academy to watch a football coaching session before sitting down with the group to discuss working in the ICT industry and employability.
inTEC Group has been partnered with Foundation 92 through The Big Goal, which is uniting ICT companies from across the country to sponsor a Street Soccer Academy for homeless and disadvantaged 18 to 30-year olds in their regions and help to change lives through football.
Andrew Jackson, Group Marketing Manager at inTEC Group, said: “It was truly inspiring to visit the local Street Soccer Foundation Academy we are sponsoring as part of the incredible Big Goal initiative.
“The dedication and passion of the people running Foundation 92 in North Manchester were evident in every aspect of their work.
“Their commitment to using football as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of vulnerable and homeless young people is not only commendable but also impactful.
“The Street Soccer Academy programme they offer is a testament to their innovative approach, providing a blend of football coaching, growth mindset training and employability workshops.
“It’s clear that the Street Soccer Foundation is not just a charity; it’s a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all involved.
“We were really impressed by the team’s efforts and are proud to support such a meaningful cause. We look forward to continuing to work with the charity in the coming months.”
The workshop’s second part, facilitated by Connor Marshall (Football Development Coordinator at Foundation 92) delved into practical skills essential for navigating the job market. CV building was a focal point, empowering participants with the tools to effectively showcase their experiences and abilities. Moreover, the introduction to various roles within inTEC provided valuable insights into potential career paths and opportunities available in the UK job market.
Overall, the visit to the Street Soccer Foundation underscored the transformative power of sports in fostering personal development and empowerment. It served as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and collaboration in creating meaningful change in society.
inTEC’s partnership with the foundation exemplifies a commitment to social responsibility and creating pathways for individuals to thrive beyond their circumstances.
