Thameslink’s ongoing partnership with Luton Town Football Club’s Academy has seen its apprentices supplied with passes in order to provide them with free travel for study or training.
The rail operator supports those undertaking the ‘Professional Development Phase’ of the full-time apprenticeship which sees the apprentices study BTEC Sports Science as well as training with the first team at the club’s training ground which is close to Luton Airport Parkway station.
Since the partnership began, the rail operator has provided 300 season-long passes to the club’s 16 to 18-year-old apprentices
The free season-long passes have made a huge difference as many of the apprentices were not able to afford the travel costs involved with the apprenticeship without the support provided by Thameslink.
Dale Brunton, the LTFC Academy’s Operation Manager, said: “Thameslink has been an excellent partner for Luton Town Football Club over the past 15 seasons, especially for the young men in our Academy, allowing them to develop both on and off the field.
“Our Academy players are from a wide range of backgrounds and many travel considerable distances to train, play and learn with us. If it wasn’t for Thameslink’s generosity, some would struggle to attend their sessions on a daily basis. The partnership also allows our apprentices to give back to the local community via social action days.”
Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We work a lot with young people, providing confidence-building and upskilling opportunities that can make a huge difference to their lives.
“This long-standing partnership with the Hatters allows young sports people to develop their talents and pursue dreams they would otherwise not be able to follow. It’s one of the ways we can make a tangible difference for individuals in the communities we serve.”
17-Year-old centre-back Josh Odell-Bature is enjoying his second year with Luton and said: “Coming from West London, I just couldn’t afford to be at the Academy without my Thameslink pass. Finding another way to get to my training and education would be very difficult. I’d have to find someone to give me a lift, so the pass is keeping traffic off the M1 too!
“Also I meet up with friends at St Pancras to come to Luton, so it’s good for friendships and a lot less boring than travelling on my own.”
As part of seven apprentices who were taken on to the two-year apprenticeship at age 16 is Tyrell Giwa who is now 17 and joined up as a midfield player but has now moved into the position of right-back. Tyrell travels into the academy from Hertfordshire and said:
“I had two months without a pass early in the season and it’s made a huge difference. I can travel a lot more without getting my mum involved, and that takes a lot of pressure off her.”
Thameslink’s travel support has benefited many of the academy’s graduates over the years including Leicester City wing-back James Justin, who recently made his full England debut, and striker Cauley Woodrow, who came back to Luton FC over the summer as one of its top first-team signings.
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