A new partnership between Poole Town FC and specialist education and training provider SWRAC could enable young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to access careers in the football world.
The South West Regional Assessment Centre – SWRAC – has college sites across Dorset and Liverpool supporting young people aged 16-30 with life skills, training, work experience, and internships.
For the next two seasons its #SayYEStoSEN campaign boards will feature inside Poole Town FC’s Tatnam ground and media advertising.
The Dolphins have also joined a growing number of businesses offering SWRAC students regular work experience and internship opportunities; Young people from the college will work across all areas of the club, from retail and groundskeeping positions, to hospitality and marketing roles.
Adrian Gunner, MD of SWRAC explained: “Poole Town FC is a football club at the very heart of its community, which prides itself on being fully inclusive. This shines through in everything it does and makes it a perfect partner for SWRAC and the young people we work with.”
SWRAC’s Lead Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Advisor Daniel Kerley agreed: “Two of our students from our Boscombe college site, Owen and Yamen came down with Adrian and I to see the ground and meet Ben Edgell the Commercial Manager. They left inspired and already thinking about just how much they can learn here through weekly work experience and assisting on match days.
“In the coming weeks, more students will be coming for tours and to explore the possibilities open to them.”
Adrian added: “We hope our partnership at the ground will support the club in its own expansion plans, and together with the presence of our students, will prompt other businesses to see the value of supporting young people with SEND.”
Ben Edgell agreed: “I am delighted to announce our new partnership with SWRAC. This collaboration is about more than football – it’s about supporting the incredible work SWRAC does with young people in our community.
“Together, we’re looking forward to creating opportunities, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation. A huge thank you to everyone at SWRAC for partnering with the Dolphins this season.”
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