Reds in the Community’s first year Shadow Scholars have been taking part in our National Citizen Service (NCS) programme this Summer, helping to raise vital funds for the Barnsley Hospital Charity

NCS is the country’s fastest-growing youth movement, a rite of passage for all teenagers aged 15-17 to discover who they are and what they can do.

As part of the pre-season preparations for the 2019/20 season in the National Football Youth League, the new additions to Mark Tinker’s squad have taken part in the NCS programme.

After two weeks of outdoor activities in North Wales and workshops at Storthes Hall Park, Huddersfield, the Scholars were then tasked with organising a social action project.

One group chose to raise money for Barnsley Hospital Children’s Ward through the Barnsley Hospital Charity.

First, they visited children in the ward to help put a smile on their faces by playing games.

They then took part in a sponsored bike ride whilst collecting further donations, raising a total of £323.48.

Shadow Scholars Harley Blankley and Ellis Pickard spoke to Reds in the Community following the conclusion of the project.

Harley said: “We went and visited the children up at the Children’s Ward. We played a few games and cheered them up. It was good to see them with a smile on their face.”

Ellis Pickard added: “The money will go towards DVD players and tablets for the children to keep them entertained. We chose the children’s ward because the people are less fortunate than others. We thought we’d cheer them up and put a smile on their face. We thought we’d go up there and show what the Football Club can do for them.”

Barnsley Hospital Charity (BHC) reg. no. 1058037 is based at Barnsley Hospital, and operates to support the care and needs of Barnsley Hospital patients, and their families.

Barnsley Hospital strives to provide the highest level of care using the funding it receives from the central government to the local community and surrounding area.