United for the Community is celebrating its ongoing work with The Twinning Project, having supported more than 200 participants across HMP Holme House and HMP Deerbolt to complete their FA Delivering Leadership Through Football qualification, since beginning delivery in 2019.

The latest group at HMP Holme House completed the programme in September, led by United for the Community staff Vicki Burton and Bianca Owens.

The Twinning Project brings together professional football clubs and HM Prison and Probation Service, using the power of football to create opportunities for people in custody. Through football-based learning and accredited qualifications, the initiative aims to improve physical and mental wellbeing, support rehabilitation and help participants prepare for life after release.

The programme provides opportunities to develop coaching knowledge alongside transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and responsibility. These skills can help participants build confidence, engage with further learning and improve their prospects for future employment.

For United for the Community, the partnership is an important part of its commitment to using sport to create opportunities and make a positive difference. Since 2019, its work at HMP Holme House and HMP Deerbolt has brought football and learning together, supporting participants to develop their skills and work towards a positive future.

Graeme Clark, Relationship Lead (North) at the Twinning Project, said:

“As pioneers of our DLTF Programme, Vicki and Bianca from United for the Community, working in a challenging environment with male offenders, have been excellent. Their skill set and knowledge immediately gained respect and set standards high for those on the course.

“Through their example, it has inspired the learners to work hard and achieve credible outcomes; this unique setting of learning and achievement has now become a benchmark for performance.

“Aligned to United for the Community has been HMP Holme House PE Department, whose professionalism in organising, recruiting and supporting the programme has been superb.

As the relationship lead for the Twinning Project (North), it has been the perfect match, and we at The Twinning Project Charity thank them for their work, and look forward to continued success.”

Lee Trotter, Physical Education Manager from HMP Holme House, added:

“The FA Delivering Leadership Through Football programme continues to have a positive impact within HMP Holme House.

“It provides participants with the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while developing important life skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork.

“The commitment shown by this latest group has been outstanding, and they should be proud of what they have achieved.

“Working alongside United for the Community and The Twinning Project allows us to create meaningful opportunities that build confidence, encourage personal development and support individuals in preparing for a positive future beyond custody.”

The completion of the latest programme marks another milestone in the partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to providing meaningful opportunities through football.

United for the Community would like to congratulate everyone who completed the September programme and thank The Twinning Project and staff at both prisons for their continued support.