Story added: 9th November 2023
Eleven-year-old Jack first joined our Onside programme in July after experiencing difficulty at school. Jack was finding it hard to form strong friendships, leading to a massive drop off in his confidence. His mum, Laura was struggling to get him to attend school and Jack spent a lot of time at home feeling lonely and upset.
Jack and his mum were first introduced to Onside through the social services network, who recommended Jack attends a few sessions in an attempt to get him back on track. The programme had an immediate impact on Jack, who was visibly more self-assured and happier. His mum, Laura, said:
“From our point of view, he’s way more confident. Now he’s got a group of friends that he goes and plays football with – he wouldn’t have done that before!”
Since he began attending the Onside sessions, Jack has been working closely with Scott Ribbons, the Foundation’s Onside Youth Worker, who has been monitoring Jack’s progress closely.
“He is a completely different person – when he comes in now, he’s smiling and chatty and initiates the conversation, something he never did before. It really is amazing to see.”
The Onside team were so impressed with Jack’s progress, he was rewarded with a visit from Norwich City striker Ashley Barnes, who joined him at The Nest for a kick-about on the pitches followed by a few games of FIFA on the PlayStation.
Jack’s amazing progress through the Onside programme was rewarded with a visit from one of his Norwich City heroes.
Jack’s newfound confidence led the Onside team to start considering what was next for him, now that he was back on track and eager to communicate and learn.
“Our aim with Jack is to get him back into full-time education,” stated Scott, when asked what the next steps were for the rejuvenated Jack.
“We’ll take it step by step and see how it goes but in the long run we’d love to have him back at school enjoying himself.”
Recently, Jack’s mum got back to our Onside team to let them know that Jack had received a placement at a local school and was starting back in full time education this autumn.
18th December 2024
Take a look back through 2024 with us in this year's yearly recap.
8th November 2024
The schools may close for a week, but work at the Foundation never slows down! Check out what we got up to at the charity this October half-term.
6th November 2024
On 31st October, 14 participants in our Junior Coaches Academy made the short trip to the capital for a tour of the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
On the Buzzer, City! Quiz is our hugely popular annual quiz held at Norwich City Football Club, and it returns on the 7th November! Rounds typically include sport, history, film & TV and more, with special guest questions from Norwich City players and legends.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Foundation
