A call for more apprentices in sport has been made by sports minister Helen Grant and MP Mary Macleod this week.
The politicians went on a tour of sporting facilities in the borough stopping off at Goals Osterley, Brentford Boating Arch and a site visit to the new Brentford FC stadium.
During the visit on Monday (Jan 12) they met with local sports trainees, apprentices and coaches working with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust (CST).
Mrs Grant said: “I was delighted to accompany Mary Macleod MP to see some of the great work that Brentford FC CST is doing.
"I enjoyed speaking to the young apprentices and trainees working with the Sports Trust and hearing how their involvement has developed their ambition, drive and leadership skills.
“With Brentford FC riding high in the championship right now, it was great to see how much the club puts back into the local community – and to hear about the exciting plans for the next chapter in the club’s history when the new stadium opens in Lionel Road.”
At Goals Osterley the pair met CEO of the Community Sports Trust, Lee Doyle, and saw first hand hundreds of children gathered to compete in the Fustal npower Kids Cup.
Two of the Fustal trainees, Alfie Hipwell and Louis Dailey, who helped organise the tournament told the minister the experience has boosted their confidence and will add something extra to their CVs when looking for work.
Two of the Trust's apprentices, Amber Lloyd and Sian Marshman, explained the apprenticeship had given them fantastic opportunities both academically and in the workplace.
Brentford and Isleworth MP, Ms Macleod, added: “We could really see the value that Brentford FC Community Sports Trust delivers today, just by looking at the smiling faces of the youngsters competing for their schools in the npower Kids Cup.
"The Trust is also helping to train coaches and provide some excellent apprenticeships and it was great to hear from both trainees and former apprentices today.
"I am a strong supporter of apprentices in any workplace and I hope that the trust is able to continue to grow their numbers of apprentices in the future.”
At Brentford Boating Arch, Mrs Grant saw how the facility has been transformed and tried out the rowing machines under the guidance of two coaches from Motivate Hounslow - a programme delivered by Brentford FC CST, the Mo Farah Foundation and Sport Impact, to encourage people aged 14-25 to develop a regular sporting habit.
