NEW CENTRE FORWARD FUND PROVIDES FLEXIBLE, FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR STAND-OUT PALACE FOR LIFE FOUNDATION STARS

During the last six months, Crystal Palace F.C.’s Vice President’s Club has provided funding to kickstart Palace for Life’s latest initiative, The Centre Forward Fund.

The fund has been introduced to financially support the development and aspirations of young people, rewarding those who are progressing particularly well at home, school and play.

The funding, which is given directly to an individual or group each month, can go towards activities or equipment that will help support the development of young people’s resilience and their employability such as: backing a business idea, training courses, equipment or interview clothing.

Since October last year, The Centre Forward Fund has awarded a total of £10,000 worth of grants to over 30 young South Londoners, some of which has gone towards sports coaching qualifications, laptops, specialist computer software for children with learning needs, football boots and even violin lessons.

Senior Community Development Officer, Rashan McDonald said:

“I am proud to have the opportunity to provide an amazing service for these young people because of this Fund; the kind offer has provided young people with access to funds to better their future. My application has allowed a young person to obtain a laptop to further develop their sports and music studies, which they are going to bring to university.  I am excited to see how this can provide some amazing opportunities for our participants to develop and, prevent socio-economic factors from stunting the improvements of the young people in our area. “

The Foundation are incredibly grateful for the Vice President’s Club who have donated financially, and provided two highly valued members to help Foundation staff with judging the fund recipients at monthly panel meetings.

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