Project 35 celebration for south-west young people

192 Primary and secondary school children from across South East Cornwall and North Devon were treated to an unforgettable experience at dedicated Project 35 soccer roadshows in Callington, St Budeaux, and Whitleigh during the recent half-term, taking part in positive provisions to increase physical activity, improve mental health and wellbeing, and receive a tasty lunch from Project 35 partners Ginsters.

Schools across the region identified young people that would benefit most from the provision which included skills, penalty shootouts, training sessions, and small-sided games. To make the day extra special, and to the delight of the youngsters - and Ginsters staff - Callington had visits from club mascot Pilgrim Pete and Argyle first-team stars Danny Mayor and Macaulay Gillesphey. Danny and Macaulay took part in the activities and handed out Argyle home shirts, donated by Ginsters, to each participant - most of which went home having been signed by the duo.

Argyle Ambassador Gary Sawyer visited the St Budeaux roadshow, with Argyle first teamers Jordan Houghton and Conor Grant surprising the youngsters at Whitleigh - demonstrating magnificent support, as always, from club staff.

The events, run by Argyle Community Trust staff, were attended by several Ginsters staff who volunteered their time to ensure everyone had a great experience, and to provide the participants with food and snacks for lunch and to take home at the end of the high-energy day.

Project 35, in partnership with Ginsters, has already had a profound effect on the lives of young people in the region since its inception. Tens of thousands of lunches, including delicious savoury Ginsters slices and pasties, have been delivered to families identified as most in need, and thousands of school children have been participating in free sports, health, and wellbeing sessions.

Indiana, a participant at the Callington roadshow, was amazed to meet the players: "I was going nuts! I told my mum at home, and she thought it was so cool.

I got there and I was more excited, then I was like 'professional football players, oh my gosh!'"

Ginsters Brand Communications Co-ordinator Debbie Moss was one of the volunteers on the day: "Ginsters have been proud to support the events and supply the young people with food.

"It's great to be doing our bit. Over the summer we provided meals for the schoolchildren, but actually being here, amongst the children we are having an impact on, really brings it home."

Argyle Community Trust Head of Community Engagement Dan Hart added: "Ginsters are very keen, through Project 35, to get their staff out and get their feet on the streets, and doing all they can to support the project.

"It's great to have the support of the club. To have the players turn up is fantastic. The kids were energised and it made their day, especially to leave with a signed match shirt.

"We'd like to say thank you to the schools across East Cornwall and North Devon who identified and supported the young people coming to the event. It is important to get the maximum impact from what we are doing for Project 35." 

Read more about Project 35 and how you can get involved here.