SPORTS Minister Nigel Huddleston MP discovered there is more to POSH than what happens on the pitch when he visited Peterborough United Football Club (PUFC) at the request of constituency MP Shailesh Vara. The stadium is located in North West Cambridgeshire constituency.
He was given a tour of the facilities and was especially impressed by the work of the Peterborough United Foundation which runs a variety of projects in line with four key themes as set down by the English Football League Trust.
In addition to a training and development centre for children, the Foundation's work includes outreach programmes, disability coaching programmes, support for an adult amputee team, women's football and much more besides. A scholarship scheme offers young people the opportunity to combine their love of football with studying BTEC Level 3 in Sport.
Mr Huddleston's visit was arranged following a debate in Parliament during the pandemic when Shailesh had highlighted the difficulties facing PUFC due to the severe COVID restrictions. At the time no fans were allowed to visit the stadium for live matches which was having a significant effect on the club's finances. The club had made comprehensive plans to ensure fans' safety and Shailesh urged the Minister to allow a limited number of fans to attend on match days.
Afterwards Shailesh told us: "I am grateful the Minister kept his promise to visit PUFC which allowed the club to showcase the important work being done to support the community in so many ways."
Photo: Pictured with Minister for Sport Nigel Huddleston and Shailesh Vara MP are CEO David Paton (left) and Director Bob Symns.
