COVENTRY City have welcomed a new scheme set up by the Cyrille Regis charity to help vulnerable football-loving youngsters.
Six West Midlands clubs, including Coventry City and Sky Blues in the Community, were at West Bromwich Albion’s The Hawthorns to mark the formation of the Cyrille Regis Legacy Trust (CRLT).
It unveiled its flagship mentoring scheme called ‘Strike a Change’ on the same day.
Former England striker Les Ferdinand was the star guest, along with young people from community programmes of the six clubs.
Head of Sky Blues in the Community Dave Busst told the Coventry City website today: “We are really happy with how the launch went and thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic initiative.”
The charity, led by members of Cyrille’s family, will begin a two-year programme to support 14 and 15-year-old students with a passion for football who are ‘disengaged in school or their local community’.
‘Strike a Change’ aims at clubs working across geographical boundaries and rivalries, to combat issues around equality, mental health and social responsibility.
The much-loved hero, Cyrille, died last year on January 14, aged 59.
The 1987 FA Cup winner at Coventry City passed away following a cardiac arrest.
The former England international joined the Sky Blues in 1984 and appeared 238 times for the club, scoring 47 goals.
Cyrille’s brother, David, is proud to see a programme of ‘real meaning’ launched in his sibling’s name.
“My brother was passionate about helping young people,” he said.
“He never turned down an opportunity to engage with the local community.
“The part of his agency work he enjoyed most was mentoring young players.
“It’s incredibly important in today’s world. Young people need mentors they can relate to.
“Not every young person has a parent or family member to guide them through times of hardship.
“I’d like to express huge gratitude to all six clubs for coming together in Cyrille’s name for a programme of real meaning.
“It’s humbling. We’re truly honoured.”
Julia Regis, Cyrille’s wife, gave an overview of the programme at the launch event.
