YOUNG leaders in Suffolk will continue to benefit from the financial support of Richard and Jenny Bugg.

Through their company R Bugg Trading Ltd they have agreed to once again sponsor the Football Futures programme in the county and its offshoot the Suffolk Youth Council.

The Football Futures programme is for young leaders aged 14-22 and offers opportunities to gain experience through leadership opportunities including coaching, refereeing and supporting events.

The programme has produced several young leaders who have gone on to make their mark nationally in recent years.

Chay Hathway is now working full-time for The FA and Alex Shipp is the current Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council.

Each year Young Leaders from Suffolk attend the FA Leadership Academy at St George’s Park, the FA’s national football centre in Burton Upon Trent.

This year Amy King and James Brooks, both aged 17, attended the four-day event.

Amy said: “Being a part of Football Futures has meant that I can continue and share my love of football, not just as a player.

“The programme has given me access to many opportunities such as giving me the chance to coach with the Suffolk Girls’ Development Centre, informing and helping me with my application for the FA Youth Leadership Academy at St George’s Park that I was lucky enough to attend and many other amazing learning experiences.

”Not only that, but I have always been supported whether it is guidance and advice or helping fund my FA Coaching Level 2 course.

“I am very thankful to be involved with the Football Futures programme as it has developed me not only as a coach, referee and Youth Leader but as a person and has taught me many skills that I will carry with me and use in life.”

Football Futures sponsor Richard Bugg said: “We have sponsored the Suffolk Futures project for a few years. We have been delighted to see how the young people who join the scheme are guided by the Suffolk FA to become confident and able people within the football world.”

Suffolk FA Mini Soccer & Youth Football Development Officer James Morley, who co-ordinates the Football Futures programme and the Suffolk Youth Council, said: “To have the continued support of Richard and Jenny is massive for us to keep providing opportunities for young people in Suffolk.

“Richard and Jenny are really enthusiastic about giving young people opportunities and the platform to express themselves and reach their potential. Through their support we have been able to provide this platform to several young people who have gone on to be leaders in their own right."

If you would like to know more about you can get involved, please contact James Morley on 01449 616606 or 07976 957094 or via email  james.morley@suffolkfa.com

Pictured above at the launch (left to right) are Richard and Jenny Bugg, Amy King and James Morley.