Creating Chances Places for Players 2008/09

Following last month's introduction to the Premier League's 'Creating Chances' community initiative, Club Website will be keeping you informed of the of this season's 'Places for Players' acitivities right here in The Club House.

This month, we bring you news of Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Edwin van der Sar's visits to their local community to highlight the good work being carried out by England's 20 top-flight clubs under the 'Creating Chances' banner.

Theo Walcott visits Teenage Cancer Trust unit

Arsenal's Theo Walcott paid a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust's unit at University College Hospital in November where he met teenage cancer patients being treated on the charity's unit.

Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), who provide specialist help for teenagers and young adults with cancer teenage, is Arsenal's designated Charity of the Season this year. The club aim to raise £300,000 for the TCT through their 'Be A Gooner - Be A Giver' campaign.

Walcott met the young patients in the charity's state-of-the-art unit which has been designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. Teenage Cancer Trust's units provide an environment where teenagers receive specialist care and can meet others in a similar situation. At the moment four out of 10 teenagers diagnosed with cancer have access to the dedicated support provided by one of the charity's units, but the Trust's aim is to build enough units so that, by 2012, every teenager will be treated on one.

Walcott said: "Arsenal's Charity of the Season this year has special significance for me and for many of the young players still in their teenage years. I met some of the patients at Emirates Stadium at the start of the season and found their strength an inspiration. To go to the hospital today, see the unit and meet some of the patients again puts the charity's work into perspective. I hope we can reach our target."

Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust added: "We're incredibly grateful to Theo for giving up his time to visit the unit today. Many of the patients who are being treated on the unit at the moment are huge Arsenal fans and are really excited about meeting one of their idols. It is especially significant because Theo is the same age as many of the patients he will meet and I know he will see first-hand the difference it makes to be treated with other young people."

Click here to read more on Theo's visit and Arsenal's fundraising for the TCT, or follow Arsenal's partnership with the Trust at www.beagoonerbeagiver.org.

Shaun Wright-Phillips promotes Age Concern

Shaun Wright-Phillips visited Stockport in December to promote the 'Winter Warmth Campaign' run by Age Concern. Older people are particularly at risk in the cold winter months and it is estimated that 24,000 will die this winter because they cannot afford to keep warm.

To highlight the dangers and the solutions, around 20 'stalls' were set up in Stockport's Plaza in Mersey Square.

The Mayor of Stockport Cllr Pam King joined Shaun in presenting Winter Warmth packs to older people. They contained hand warmers, hats and gloves, blankets, thermometers and socks. They were some of the first packs distributed as part of the campaign and were funded by a donation of £4,000 from the Premier League's Creating Chances initiative.

Shaun said: "It was a different experience for me because I am more used to dealing with young kids and keeping them off the streets. But it was something I enjoyed thoroughly and the message is an important one, older people have to keep warm in the winter. I had a great laugh and the women were quite overwhelming - really!"

Working with older people is a key objective for the club's registered charity City in the Community which organises a range of health and well-being activities at the City of Manchester Stadium - these include weekly health walks, free tai-chi and yoga sessions and monthly tea dances.

Alex Williams MBE, who manages CITC, said: "It was great of Shaun to visit the Age Concern event - the reaction of the residents shows that football has the power to engage with everyone in the community not just young people."

Edwin Van der Sar takes a healthy trip back to school

Pupils from the Friars School, Salford were treated to a surprise visit from Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar in November. The school has been participating in a new educational programme run by the Manchester United Foundation aimed at educating young people about leading a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Van der Sar took part in a classroom session about healthy food, commenting on the healthy menus that the children had designed for him. "I have children and I know the importance of getting my kids to eat well and exercise," he said. It's all about teaching them which foods are good for their bodies and what will make them grow strong and healthy.

"As footballers we exercise all the time, but leading a balanced lifestyle needn't be hard work, it is really just common sense, learning the right things to eat and how to exercise properly. This programme is great because it teaches kids the basics; they were all really enthusiastic and looked like they were enjoying themselves."

Mitchell Corlett, a pupil at The Friars said: "It was so exciting to meet Edwin Van der Sar. I have learnt lots about eating the right foods and I know it is important to be healthy."

'Something to Chew On' will be an interactive project aimed at teaching 7-8-year-olds about their own health, themed around food, nutrition and getting active but with a football focus. Topics covered, based on the Food Standards Agency's food competency framework include: diet and health, food safety, consumer awareness and food preparation. As well as class room sessions, the programme also aims to motivate children to be active.

Practical sessions cover football, fitness and controlling body movemen, an important part of the programme according to scheme coordinator Andy Smith: "I have been a football coach for 15 years and during that time I have noticed that, when they start to play, many of the children lack the motor skills needed to play football well, because they don't play outside and climb trees like we used to. So part of the programme is about building up that basic body control. The whole scheme aims to talk about food, nutrition and exercise in a fun and appealing way, using football and the players as a hook."

To find out more about the 'Something to Chew On' initiative, click here.

Club Website will continue to keep you informed of future 'Creating Chances' initiatives. In the meantime, if you wish to find out more about the Premier League's other 'Creating Chances' initiatives, visit:

www.premierleague.com/page/creatingchances

'Places for Players' words and images courtesy of the Premier League.