Blackpool FC Football League in the Community is an active and vibrant community project that aims to support the development of football and to nurture the passion of the people in Blackpool.

The scheme offers many diversionary activities aimed at providing participants with opportunities to come along and enjoy themselves in a fun and friendly environment.

The key to the community scheme is participation and setting up player pathways for boys and girls to progress from child to adulthood and retain their interest in the game be it as a player, coach, volunteer or supporter.

The programme is not about finding the next player for Blackpool FC but the emphasis is placed on educating young people in sportsmanship, fair play, healthy living, life skills and promoting self esteem.

The Community Officer at Blackpool FC is ex-Blackpool and Northern Ireland international Derek Spence. Derek's assistant is also his wife, Lyn Spence, who took over the role of Assistant Community Officer in 1997.

The scheme has been running at the club since 1988 but since Derek took over in 1996 the community side of the club has gone from strength to strength.

On the scheme, Spence says: "My aim as Football Leagie in the Community Officer has always been to introduce children to grass roots football and to promote our local professional club, Blackpool FC. Our scheme enables children to learn in a fun and safe environment and to learn the life and social skills to enable them to grow up as confident and respectful individuals."

Blackpool FC Director Gavin Steele adds: "Football League in the Community gives boys and girls a chance to learn new skills under the tutelage of Derek Spence and also to appreciate that life is more than television and computer games."

Activities that Blackpool FC's Football League in the Community run include:

- Soccer Schools

- Saturday Morning Development Centres

- In-school Coaching

- After-school Coaching

- Birthday Parties

- Girls' Football

- Match Day Trips

- Midweek Leagues

- Coaching for Adults with Learning Difficulties

- Soccer Skills Clinics

For further information on the Football League in the Community Scheme at Blackpool or to find out how to become involved please contact Derek Spence on 07768838554 or email communitytrust@blackpoolfc.co.uk