Wallsend Boys Club (WBC) was founded in 1904 by the employees & directors of Swan Hunters Shipyard to provide recreational activities for apprentices & other young people. WBC’s mission is aligned to its charitable objectives; to work and help develop young people to fulfil their potential and contribute to society. Currently WBC has 56 representative football teams (players aged 4-70yrs) including 10 girls’ and 3 women’s senior teams equating to over 550 young people & approximately 150 adults. More than this, it has supported thousands of young people to become responsible citizens through a wide range of sport and activity based programmes, initially at premises on Station Road until 2012 and more recently at Kirkley Park.
The latter site has been systematically developed over the last ten years and includes a new Community Hub and full sized artificial and grass pitches. The Trustees and Staff are now developing a programme of activities that will cater for people of all abilities and those with learning or physical disabilities through the concept of ‘Sporting Wallsend’, a wholly owned subsidiary of WBC.
Kirkley Park is a thriving hub, supporting both the youngest and oldest members of the community and membership will be reflective of the neighbourhoods which it serves. This will include those who have chosen to be more physically active, those who are referred, for example from their GP’s, due to poor health and people who are socially isolated or lonely and require the company of others.
What skills are we looking for? We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience; we will provide a full induction and training. We are looking for up to three individuals who have the knowledge, skills and ability to support a thriving grassroots sport and activity based charity with management and organisational governance, bringing credibility and influence at a senior level and equally with young people. We would particularly like to hear from people who can bring some of the following values and behavioural approaches:
• Vision and creativity, exceptional listening skills, integrity and commitment, team players, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to learn about being a trustee.
• A passion in giving children and young people access to an inclusive safe space and a desire for them to fulfil their potential.
• The ability to oversee financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• To ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• People who have knowledge and skills in any of the following:
1. Human Resource Management
2. Philanthropic Giving
3. Information and Communications Technology / Data Security
4. Safeguarding and Welfare experience
5. Equality, Diversion and Inclusion / Disability Awareness