The Millers and Parkgate Shopping say “You’re Hired”, to Rotherham youngsters.

Hot on the heels of Lord Sugar’s most recent BBC One “Apprentice”, Rotherham United Community

Sports Trust, in partnershipwith Parkgate Shopping, is giving a young person from the Rotherham area the chance to secure their future in the form of a coaching apprenticeship with the Millers.

Rotherham’s own “Apprentice” project is funded by Parkgate Shopping as part of owner British Land’s community support fund. It has been designed to provide youngsters with a series of skills building sessions at venues within the Parkgate and Rawmarsh districts in Rotherham. The organiser are looking for young people resident in these areas over 16 years of age who are not currently in occupied in any job or full-time study or interest.

Cllr Mahroof Hussain said: “This is great example of a local business, Parkgate Shopping who employ over 2000 people, wanting to help the local area with a long-term project to raise aspirations and inspire young people. I look forward to supporting Rotherham United Community Sports Trust are doing fantastic work with young people in the local community.”

Staff at Rotherham United will be providing these youngsters with football sessions and will select 5 young people who will go on to a ‘Get Ready for Work’ scheme. On completion of the 12-week programme one young person will be chosen for the six month apprenticeship with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

Rotherham Mayor Cllr Rose McNeely kicked-off the ceremony at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham. The Mayor commented: “Working with the Community Sports Trust is fantastic for young people giving them positive role models, who are a similar age that they can look up. I’m proud that Parkgate Shopping are working in the local area with young people to provide them with a great opportunity for a career with Rotherham United.”

Parkgate Shopping, currently in its third season as a main Rotherham United club sponsor, was a perfect partner for this initiative. Parkgate Shopping Manager, Denis Copeland explained: “We support several local charities across all community sectors, but for some time we have been seeking a youth development opportunity.” Denis added: “When this project arose right on our very doorstep, we put a strong case forward to British Land’s Community Initiative Board and are delighted that it was accepted.”

Miller’s defender Dale Tonge, who acts as the club’s Community Cohesion Ambassador, enthusiastically welcomed the news: “This kind of opportunity doesn’t come up too often and I hope lots of young people will put themselves forward to take part in the sessions and give themselves a chance to work with the football club.”

Rotherham United Commercial Director commented: “This project is an example of the club and Parkgate Shopping working together on a project that will make a real difference in Rotherham. We are very focused on our community responsibilities and are delighted to be working with Parkgate Shopping to give young people an opportunity to have new and exciting career in sport.”

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to know more about the Millers’ community cohesion work contact Cohesion Officer Mark Cummins This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring 01709 827767.