Club Community Ambassador Jeremy Goss rounds up some of his activities and community visits in February.
Aviva Fans Forum
Sky Sports News presenter and former Blue Peter star Simon Thomas, along with former Norwich City star, Darren Eadie and one half of the The Nimmo Twins comedy act, Karl Minns were the three VIP's to sit on the top table of the Aviva Fans Forum held at Carrow Road. This was the very first event of its kind and proved to be very successful going by the excellent feedback of the 200 Norwich fans who attended. Darren, Karl and Simon were fantastic in answering questions and engaging in conversation surrounding many Norwich City and general football topics. Thanks go to our main Club sponsors Aviva for initiating, managing and funding this event.
Norwich and Peterborough 'Canary Account'
Having been in existence for more than 12 years the 'Canary Account' has not only helped Norwich City fans save their money but it has also raised a staggering £2.9million for the Football Club. This is 1% of the total amount saved in the account by Norwich fans. Dion Dublin was the very special guest who entertained Norwich and Peterborough staff and Canary Account holders during the recent Bristol City match where the Club received this year's cheque for £280,190.
Rhymes against crime
Pupils from Mile Cross Primary School have been getting to know their local police officers and learning about anti-social behaviour in a fun poetry competition. The Mile Cross, Catton and Fiddlewood Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been putting the pupil's poetry skills to the test in an attempt to educate the youngsters about anti-social behaviour and form good relationships. The older pupils were asked to write a rhyme against crime and the younger pupils were asked to create a poster with a focus on anti-social behaviour.
PC Michelle Yates said: "The poetry and poster competition has allowed the local officers to interact with the pupils and become more approachable by educating them about the topic of anti-social behaviour. Our aim is to be a friendly face, but at the same time give the children an important message when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour."
On behalf of Norwich City I was pleased to present their prizes and speak about how Norfolk Constabulary and Norwich City are two important institutions that have the ability to positively change young people's lives. By working together our voices of advice and inspiration become even louder.
Rusty inspires Neatherd Community High School students
City midfielder Darel Russell was the star of the show recently when he participated in a question and answer session conducted by Year 10 students from Neatherd High school. The students are enrolled on an ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) course and to gain the qualification at the end of the two years, they need to undertake and complete certain challenges within modules.
The module they are in the process of completing is sport and leisure, and one of the challenges asks for them to interview a professional sports person. Rusty fitted this description very well and was excellent in his well-educated answers and words of advice. Thanks to Darel for giving up his spare time to speak to the students.
Train with the Stars
Young boys and girls aged between 7 and 12 years of age from within our region and beyond had their chance to experience life as a professional footballer when they took part in our latest 'Train with the Stars' session at Colney Training Centre. Their special day included a one-and-a-half hour training session in the Academy Arena followed by a two-course meal and facility tour. Judging by the smiles and laughs coming from the youngsters they all had a great fun day, which gave them an insight into life as a Norwich City player. I was delighted to host the day and take the training session. Many thanks to the Football Club's Events and Promotions Manager, Chloe Turner who was instrumental in making the day possible.
FITC Half-Term Soccer School
Another entertaining Norwich City FITC (Football in the Community) Soccer School took place recently at Gorleston Junior School with over 60 children involved. It was a quality two days that included fun and enjoyable football sessions. The FA/FITC qualified coaches objective on the course was to stage soccer activities that not only improve skills and technique but more importantly increase the youngsters confidence and self-esteem.
During the course zone leader, Laurence York and FITC coach Danny Mitchell were pleased to present Mackenzie Harrison and Eilish Ann Brogan with signed photos of first team players Sammy Clingan and Lee Croft for their great attitude shown during the two days.
