The aim of the project is to reach out and inspire young people in an environment other than school. It provides positive outlets for safe, self-expression through meaningful, exciting activities within the environment of a professional football club.

The Score Project is the brainchild of Norman Gill, the Development Officer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DoE) Sheffield. Norman’s role is to inspire and motivate young people to realise their potential in life whatever their social status may be, and encourage youngsters to excel and develop their life skills through participation of one of the Nations most successful scheme for young people – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

By bringing together the County FA, who provide the expertise in football coaching and football related development programmes, and the city’s highest placed football team – Sheffield United, to work with the DOE Award, the Score Project is perfectly positioned to deliver, encourage and motivate young people who may have difficulty at school.

The Score Project in Sheffield is a pilot which the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award may potentially rolls out nationwide. 

The project which is also funded by the Football Foundation has proved that orgnaisations can join forces to help the youth focus on positive behavior and help reduced issues such as crime and provide young people with alternative ambitions and academic qualifications.

James Hope-Gill, Chief Executive of the County FA said: “As a County FA we are dedicated to recruiting and developing the skills of young people through football. 

"The Score Project provides some valuable candidates with an exciting opportunity to get involved with football, an experience which develops so many different personal life skills, at a time which is most crucial in a young person.”

Kevin McCabe, Chairman of Sheffield United PLC was a driving force behind the Score Project. Keen to back and support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award quest to work with schools and children who have difficulty, Mr McCabe insisted on supporting the programme with tickets for the schools to Premiership matches, providing an opportunity for pupils to see the best of English football in their home city.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Sheffield Award Centre on  0114 255 1805  or click here.