Scolmore Connect partners with Marc Albrighton Centre of Development to expand access to youth football opportunities
Scolmore Group, through its community‑focused platform Scolmore Connect, has announced a new partnership with the Marc Albrighton Centre of Development (MACOD), reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to high‑quality football opportunities for children across the Tamworth area. As the company’s dedicated platform for bringing people, organisations and meaningful local projects together, Scolmore Connect will play a key role in supporting this partnership.
The collaboration brings together two organisations united by a shared belief: that every child should have the opportunity to participate in enriching extracurricular activities that support both personal development and lifelong enjoyment of sport.
Founded in 2016, MACOD has grown significantly over the past decade, evolving from a single Saturday morning session of 20 children at a local youth centre into a thriving coaching programme now supporting over 1,000 young people. Operating across multiple schools across Tamworth, MACOD delivers structured coaching sessions for children aged 18-months to 14-years, alongside football camps, after-school clubs, and development pathways into Tamworth Academy.
Celebrating 10 years of Community Care
As MACOD celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the new partnership with Scolmore Connect represents an important milestone in its continued growth and impact within the community.
Through this partnership, Scolmore Connect will help facilitate a range of initiatives designed to enhance access and participation for children across MACOD’s programmes. This will include enhanced football camps, lunchtime clubs, and after-school sessions. These initiatives are intended to ensure that more children can benefit from consistent, high-quality coaching in a supportive and inclusive environment.
A key feature of the partnership is the launch of MACOD’s new anniversary kit, which will feature the Scolmore Connect logo at its centre – symbolising the strength and visibility of the collaboration.
The partnership will also focus on delivering meaningful, structured opportunities for young people. By working closely with school welfare leads across Tamworth, MACOD and Scolmore Connect aim to ensure that the programmes are delivered in a safe, supportive setting and that opportunities are extended thoughtfully and responsibly. A clear and transparent system will also be implemented to help schools identify and support pupils who would benefit most from additional engagement.
How This Partnership Makes a Meaningful Difference
Access to football opportunities has become increasingly limited, making safe and structured coaching environments more important than ever. These opportunities help children build confidence, support their mental wellbeing and physical health, and equip them with valuable skills that contribute to their long‑term development both in and beyond the classroom.
“The impact is immeasurable,” says Jon Baker, Headteacher of Woodlands Primary School. “Yes, we see improvements in children’s football skills, but far more importantly, we see the difference it makes in their personal lives. With positive role models, encouragement and high-quality coaching, we see young girls and boys develop confidence, resilience and patience.”
Together, Scolmore Connect and MACOD are committed to creating an environment where all children can build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy the many benefits of football – both on and off the pitch.
This partnership reflects a shared vision of strengthening community connections and creating lasting, positive experiences for young people through sport.