Burnley FC in the Community announce it has been awarded a further three years of funding from the PFA and Premier League to offer subsidised places to young people visiting Whitehough Outdoor Centre.
Funding was initially granted by the PFA and the Premier League in 2017, when the Burnley's official charity began operating the 80-year-old site in Pendle that was on the brink of closure. The funding over the course of the last three years has allowed Burnley FC in the Community to provide 400 subsidised residential places per annum to young people living in some of the most deprived areas in Burnley and Pendle.
Whitehough is utilised by local schools and the funding provided reduces the cost of a three-day, two night residential by up to 50% for Year 6 children, with aim of teaching and developing life skills that will aid their transition from primary to secondary education. The further three years funding from the PFA and Premier League will allow the continuation of the initiative that will restart in Spring 2021 (local restrictions permitting) and will benefit 1,200 children over the course of three years.
Matt Hargreaves, Head of Facilities for Burnley FC in the Community said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that we can continue this initiative with the help of the PL / PFA fund. Especially now, after the challenging year all children have had, the need to access all the physical and mental health benefits of time spent outdoors is greater than ever.
“We’re tucked away in a beautiful part of the Pendle countryside that feels a million miles away from some of the most built up areas of our community. The chance to take some time out, learn from nature and be challenged in new ways has and will prove invaluable in these young lives. We extend our thanks to the PL / PFA for continuing their support of this vital initiative.”
