Using the universal appeal of football and the attraction of Southend United, the Goals Life Skills project is set to commence in September.

The programme is run by Southend United Community Trust over an eight week period and they are looking to get more local schools involved.

The project is a Life Skills and Training programme for Young people aged 14-18 who are at risk of leaving school with no job or future aspirations to remain in education.

The project covers many different areas, which include helping to increase self awareness, self confidence and self esteem as well as to develop communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Community Chief Executive Steve Goodsell said: "We are looking to get more schools involved in the Goals project.

"At present, the project is supported really well by Cecil Jones High School and Belfair's High School, but the message is for other secondary schools in Southend to contact us, so that we can expand the work.

"We have just had confirmed funding for £10,000 from the Jack Petcy Foundation. They are a charitable organisation who gives grants to organisations to help provide activities for young people.

"The money will go towards delivery of the project and ensure that we can continue to develop it, so more people and more schools can access it.

"We have been training additional tutors, so that we can accompany more young people and we have also forged a partnership with South East Essex College and they are providing funding of £7,000 towards the Goals Project.

"The link with the college is that on one of the eight weeks we run the project we will be taking young people, who may not have the aspirations to go on to further education, to the college.

"This will give them the opportunity to see for themselves what is potentially on offer for them."

If you are interested in joining the Goals project or for further information contact Steve Goodsell on 01702 341351.