YOUNG people looking to score a career in forestry can now kick on at the charity wing of a Premier League football club.
Leicester City in the Community has become one of the first places to offer a Level 1 Forestry in the Community qualification to youngsters looking to work in the woodlands.
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) pilot project is a new collaboration with Forest School specialist Sarah Lawfull, thanks to funding from the ALA Green Charitable Trust.
READ MORE: Thérèse Coffey: What are the new environment secretary's forestry credentials?
Sarah will be leading the pilot alongside staff from the Foxes. They will be giving 30 disadvantaged young people a chance to gain hands-on skills and their first recognised qualification.
Becky Wilkinson, RFS learning and outreach manager, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sarah and the team at Leicester City in the Community’s outreach community programme.
“This pilot is looking to break down barriers and to open young people’s eyes to the wide and exciting opportunities that forestry can offer.”
Sarah said: “I am honoured to be working with the RFS and Leicester City in the Community to deliver this exciting new qualification. “Throughout my career in mainstream education and then Forest School, I have advocated for children and young people to be given regular access to nature-based learning.”
Dr Alex Evans, Leicester City in the Community’s environmental sustainability coordinator, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who are looking for skill development and career support outside of the classroom.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here