GAME on! Football clubs are helping to match youngsters to jobs.

With the English Football League back in action next Friday, its charitable arm is supporting young people from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds to set their own career goals.

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Participants on the Training Ground programme get access to work experience and volunteering opportunities.

They can also receive one-to-one mentoring and take part in group workshops on life skills and money management.

Aspiring sports journalist Reece Endicott has autism and mild learning needs.

Although he did not get the exam grades he needed to apply for a media apprenticeship, Reece was supported by The Training Ground programme and Millwall Community Trust to undertake work experience.

He has now studied Sport BTEC Level 2 and has worked as a volunteer media assistant for the Millwall Trust.

Together, this allowed him to assemble a portfolio of work — including articles published on Millwall’s website — which Reece, 18, hopes will help him secure a place on a Level 3 media course or media apprenticeship this year.

He said: “Working with the Trust and taking up a work experience role has been very beneficial for me.

“It has allowed me to get a grasp of a professional environment and also given me little bits and pieces I can use for my future job to maximise my potential.”

While most participants will join the scheme for a 12-weeks period, trainees can stay on the programme for as long as they require the support it offers.

The London area scheme is delivered by clubs including AFC Wimbledon, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Charlton Athletic, Queen’s Park Rangers and the Premier League sides Chelsea, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Arsenal.

Open to Londoners aged 16 to 24, the programme is aimed at young people with special educational needs or those who have experienced the care or the criminal justice system.

It is also open to those who have been homeless or act as a carer for others.

Many other clubs across the country also run their own schemes, with the EFL helping youngsters who are looking to improve core skills such as English and maths before applying for work.

Debbie Cook, of the EFL’s charitable arm, said: “We are proud to support people in our communities across England and Wales by giving them opportunities to improve their wellbeing and change their lives.

“The Training Ground programme provides young people the chance to overcome barriers and unlock their potential.

“The programme provides practical support and training, alongside mentoring and activities that will increase the confidence of participants.”

You can find out more about the programme at eflinthecommunity.com/training-ground.

HOW CAN I WATCH GAMES?

WITH the Paris Olympics well under way, employers are facing a spike in sickness and absences as workers stay home to tune into the Games.

Here, legal expert Simon Roberts, from DAS Law, reveals your rights around such events.

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 Am I allowed to watch events during working hours? It depends on whether it has been agreed by your employer, especially if you are using a company device.

How can I challenge my employer’s decision not to allow us to watch the Olympics at work? You have no legal right to watch sporting events during work time and if your employer refuses your request, there is little you can do to challenge this from a legal perspective.

However, consider asking for a TV in your workplace or seeing if you can negotiate time during the day to watch key events.

 If I am caught calling in sick to watch the Olympics, what disciplinary action am I likely to face? You would have breached the implied terms in your contract of employment of mutual trust and confidence, and it may also be defined as an act of gross misconduct. This could result in disciplinary action or, worst case, dismissal.

 Am I entitled to flexible working on a temporary basis? All employees have the legal right to request flexible working. However, if granted, this would normally form a permanent change to your contract.

We are planning a specific Olympics event viewing party, what are the rules around drinking at work? Employers tend to have strict policies regarding the consumption of alcohol on work premises, even on licensed premises.

An employer may use their discretion to relax these policies, such as for a party. Employers still owe a duty of care to their employees while at work so this should be taken into consideration when offering drinks.

Should an employee misbehave or breach the code of conduct, they may be subject to disciplinary action.

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