WHO ARE WE
Champions is an exciting personal development programme in Lancashire that aims to ensure that regardless of your circumstances or background, you have the opportunities and support to achieve your potential. The Champions’ programme has been helping young people in Lancashire since 2020 and has so far supported over 400 people.
During the programme of support, mentors help you access relevant activities, support services and opportunities. The programme was set up and is funded by the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network and is part of the wider work they do around preventing serious violence in Lancashire by understanding and addressing its root causes.
Click here to learn more about the Violence Reduction Network.
MEET THE TEAM
Our mentors are at the heart of the Champions team, without them, the programme wouldn’t exist. They are the reason we are able to support young people across Lancashire in the way that we do.
Champions mentors come from all walks of life, but all share a common passion for making a difference in the lives of young people. Mentors do not work for the police and whilst all conversations with them are completely confidential, they cannot discuss criminal proceedings.
-
Adam Bolton
Adam Bolton
adam.bolton@teamchampions.co.uk
Through coaching a variety of sports, I have met people from all kinds of backgrounds. I want to use some of these sports coaching skills to motivate my clients and set them goals to work towards and achieve. I want to be the person motivating them, listening to them, and guiding them back towards the path to achieving their targets.
-
Amber Ashcroft
Amber Ashcroft
amber.ashcroft@teamchampions.co.uk
Hi! I'm Amber, a Champions Mentor at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust. I'm passionate about fitness and running - which have been game-changers for my mental health! I love helping others and am excited to support young people in my community. I believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and I'm hoping I can make a positive impact!
-
Cheryl Creighton
Cheryl Creighton
cheryl.creighton@teamchampions.co.uk
In my role I support the mentors with all their administrative tasks. Accurate recording of the data provides valuable information for our Stakeholders and strengthens the value of the programme.
-
Chris Turner
Chris Turner
chris.turner@teamchampions.co.uk
I joined Champions to make a real difference. Coming from a professional sporting background I pride myself on the quality of service I provide. I love building strong relationships and plan bespoke interventions tailored to the individual. I’m driven, enthusiastic and very competitive. Away from work I enjoy long distance running and spending time with my wife and two boys.
-
COURTNEY KIRKHAM
COURTNEY KIRKHAM
courtney.kirkham@teamchampions.co.uk
I have a passion when it comes to supporting young people. Champions allows me to help people reach their goals and become the best version of themselves.
-
DANIEL HALL
DANIEL HALL
dan.hall@teamchampions.co.uk
I really enjoy working with young people and I am passionate about helping them become the best they can be. I love my football but spend most of my free time trying to be a good dad to my young kids!
-
David Clarke
David Clarke
david.clarke@teamchampions.co.uk
-
Gary Smith
Gary Smith
gary.smith@teamchampions.co.uk
My aim is to support young people so they can contribute to stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities. Hopefully they can then keep themselves and others safe by making better informed choices. Out of work I can be found either walking my two dogs Buzz and Woody. Or watching Leeds United, I know!!!
-
Grace Clune
Grace Clune
grace.clune@teamchampions.co.uk
I have a passion for mentoring, guiding and motivating young people to achieve their goals and to aim high in life. Being a part of the Champions Programme allows me to do this and ensure that every young person feels valued.
-
Jamie Houghton
Jamie Houghton
jamie.houghton@teamchampions.co.uk
Start the day with boxing, running or a gym session then end it with anything salt and pepper from the Chinese – a winning combination in my eyes.
-
Joe Preston
Joe Preston
joe.preston@teamchampions.co.uk
I joined the programme to use my experience in football and coaching to inspire young people to stay on the right path. A typical day for me? It's all about connecting - whether I'm texting, calling, or meeting up with someone 1-1 or with their parents or teachers. I'm here to support, guide, and make sure everyone has what they need to succeed.
-
Kathryn Hoyle
Kathryn Hoyle
kathryn.hoyle@teamchampions.co.uk
I love working with young people and making a difference to our local community. I’m a true believer that every young person has the potential to make a positive change, as long as they have the tools and opportunity to do so.
-
Luke Harris
Luke Harris
luke.harris@teamchampions.co.uk
Champions is a programme i have followed for a while now, it offers the chance to support young people in the local area which i have a real passion for. In my spare time i like to think i can kick ball a little bit, others say different 🙂
-
Millie Hall
Millie Hall
millie.hall@teamchampions.co.uk
I'm passionate about helping young people achieve their potential and backing them to succeed. In my free time you can find me in front of the TV watching fast cars drive round in circles.
-
NAOMI JOHNSTON
NAOMI JOHNSTON
naomi.johnston@teamchampions.co.uk
I became a Champions Mentor because I'm passionate about helping people. For me, it's about more than just giving advice - it's about supporting young people in every aspect of their lives. Everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and I'm honoured to play a part in that journey.
-
Ryan de
Ryan de
ryan.delaharpe@teamchampions.co.uk
I have a lot of desire and passion. I love to help people of all ages and backgrounds. My professional sporting background has given me lots of interchangeable experience which I feel will be useful for this programme. What brought me to this opportunity is to be able to make a difference in the community. I feel this is a huge responsibility and an honour to be involved.
-
SKYE BESWICK
SKYE BESWICK
skye.beswick@teamchampions.co.uk
Being part of the Champions programme means I get to work with incredible people, helping others make positive changes in their lives and communities. I’m a big fan of creative problem-solving, Eton mess, and watching Shawshank Redemption on repeat.
-
SOPHIE JONES
SOPHIE JONES
sophie.jones@teamchampions.co.uk
I’m here to help others make the best out of tricky situations, and I love supporting people to learn, grow and hit their goals. Outside of work, you’ll find me camping, on long walks with family friends, and dogs, or cheering on my son at football. I could happily live on pizza, and yes, Gilmore Girls reruns are my comfort zone!
-
Steven Ford
Steven Ford
steven.ford@teamchampions.co.uk
I joined the programme to use my experience to support and advocate for young people, helping them make positive choices. When I'm not doing that, you'll find me running up hills for miles (yes, over 26.2!) or refuelling with a double pepperoni pizza.
-
Tara Fraser-Bell
Tara Fraser-Bell
tara.fraserbell@teamchampions.co.uk
I love my job because I like to help those who need it the most. But in my spare time, I can often by found socialising with friends over dinner or exploring the countryside by going on a hike.
-
Vicky McLeister
Vicky McLeister
vicky.McLeister@teamchampions.co.uk
-
PARTNERS
The Champions programme is delivered by nine football club community organisations (CCOs) across Lancashire.
-
Preston North End Community and Education Trust
Utilising the power and appeal of Preston North End Football Club and football as a whole, we situate ourselves at the heart of the Preston community, providing a high-quality service to improve people’s lives. Our provision is centred around Community Engagement, Education, and Health and Wellbeing.
Our services connect people from all walks of life, supporting people to achieve their goals and helping them to make positive changes, ultimately creating a safer, stronger and more resilient community.
-
Morecambe FC Community Sports
Morecambe FC Community Sports operates a range of innovative projects, schemes and initiatives supporting education, health, social inclusion and sports participation.
Our programmes include extensive work in schools; partnerships with local agencies, charities and organisations; support to government initiatives promoting health and well-being and sessions targeted at groups with special needs or from socially deprived areas.
-
Wigan Athletic Community Trust
Working with Wigan Athletic towards Equality in Health, Life Chances and Stronger, Safer Communities. BELIEVE in Communities.
As the official charity of Wigan Athletic Football Club, Wigan Athletic Community Trust recognises the value of the badge it represents and the introduction it gives to help reconnect young people into positive activities in their own communities.
-
Fleetwood Town Community Trust
Fleetwood Town Community Trust (FTCT) is a vibrant and active community project that aims to provide socially inclusive community, health and education engagement programmes which aim to make a difference to the lives of people within our communities.
The Trust offers many diverse activities that aim to provide the people in Wyre and Fylde with the opportunities to participate and enjoy themselves in a fun, friendly environment.
-
Blackpool FC Community Trust
Working with residents as young as two years old up to adults in the later stages of life, Blackpool FC Community Trust provide a diverse range of programmes to increase social inclusion opportunities; improve physical fitness, health, and education; and lessen involvement in anti-social behaviour.
-
Burnley FC in the Community
We believe in the immense power of our football club to transform people’s lives for the better. We work hard every day to deliver our mission across the communities of Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, the Ribble Valley and West Yorkshire.
Together we inspire, support and deliver positive change for all.
-
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
Blackburn Rovers community trust is fully committed to offering all members of the local community access to the highest quality programme of grassroots sports, education, inclusion, and awareness projects to open up new avenues of life chances to make a positive difference to the lives of the people of Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire.
-
AFC Fylde Community Foundation
AFC Fylde Community Foundation is the official charity of AFC Fylde Football Club, it was formed in 2015 as a financially independent organisation to improve the lives of others.
Working across the Fylde area, the Foundation works with AFC Fylde to improve health and wellbeing, improve employability and skills, and create stronger communities.
-
Accrington Stanley Community Trust
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is a non-profit, self-funding registered charity and community organisation that has been working within the Hyndburn community since 2007.
With the support of partners, the community trust has the ability to engage people, improve community cohesion and raise the hopes and aspiration of the people of Hyndburn.
