News: Rotherham United sign apprentice

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust has completed their version of The Apprentice and taken on a new coach.

Matt Burrows from East Herringthorpe has won a 6-month coaching apprenticeship as part of a competition against four other local youngsters as part of a training scheme, sponsored by Parkgate Shopping.

The five finalists, selected from a large group of local people who had applied to join the programme, participated in the Trust's 12-week "Get Ready for Work" programme.

Mark Cummins, project co-ordinator at Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, said: "Whilst all five participants worked really hard, Matt showed that he was the outstanding participant in both his attitude and performance. He put all his effort into the outdoor activities at Clifton Park and excelled on our "Get Ready for Work" programme.

"Matt's confidence rose tremendously over the 12 weeks, and he was really delighted when we told him that he was going to be hired as the Apprentice."

The project is funded by Parkgate Shopping as part of owner British Land's community support fund. It has been designed to provide youngsters with a series of skills building sessions at venues within the Parkgate and Rawmarsh districts in Rotherham.

Matt visited Parkgate Shopping with Mark Cummins and Community Sports Trust’s Head of Community Dale Spiby to meet Manager Denis Copeland and Operations Manager, Billy Smith.

Denis said: "We were impressed by what Dale and Mark had told us, and it was a delight to meet Matt and hear about his plans and hopes for the future. We are really pleased that he is able to pursue his dream thanks to all the hard work that he has put into the "Get Ready for Work" programme."

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: RUCST