Colchester United defender Luke Chambers made a surprise school visit in late April to present his signed match-worn 'Match for Ukraine' shirt to a very deserving recipient.
Workhorse Generation have teamed up with Colchester United Community Foundation and Colchester United Football Club to launch the annual ONE SHARED VISION Initiative to highlight local inspirational students and their incredible journeys.
Funded by Colchester United sponsors Workhorse Group, the initiative has been launched to recognise young people who have gone 'above and beyond' in their school lives. Head teachers across North Essex were invited to nominate students from their schools, the responses were a clear indication of the pride our local schools have for their students.
Workhorse Group director, Simon Dickerson, said: "We are proud to support this initiative as it mirrors the foundation our group is built on. We hope that the incredible actions and stories of those students nominated act as a huge inspiration to their peers."
Colchester United Community Foundation work very closely with the region's communities and schools and the ONE SHARED VISION Initiative allows them to recognise and reward students who are overcoming adversity and contributing positively to school and community life.
All nominated students will receive a 'nominated student pack', with three students being selected by representatives of Workhorse Group, Workhorse Generation, Colchester United Community Foundation and Colchester United Football Club to be invited with two guests to the Colchester United executive box match day experience versus Sutton United on Saturday 22nd April.
Following the match day visit, one exceptional student was selected to receive an exclusive match-worn 'Match for Ukraine' shirt signed by Colchester United player Luke Chambers.
Fraser Cromar, Workhorse Generation Head of Charity Development comments: "The ONE SHARED VISION Initiative will offer more than short-term recognition. Workhorse Generation will follow the progression of these students and offer further support and help if required. Together with Colchester United Community Foundation and Colchester United Football Club, we acknowledge the strength and contribution of these students, tomorrow's generation, and recognise the long-term benefits that their stories can have on their peers, families, teachers and their communities as a whole."
Fraser added, "We look forward to building on the ONE SHARED VISION Initiative year on year and taking it wider afield as we do so. This inaugural year has shown us how highlighting these inspirational young people and their stories can help not just them, but so many others too."