Pictured: Left – Daniel, Albie’s Dad | Albie | Rachael Gromett, Associate Solicitor at Andrew Isaacs Law Ltd | Right – Ethan Pacey, Coach at RUCT

A young footballer has taken the next step in his development with Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT), with support from a local business helping to remove financial barriers and ensure he can continue doing something he loves.

Albie initially joined RUCT’s Future Stars programme, where he attended for around 15 months with the support of a bursary funded by Andrew Isaacs Law Ltd.

During his time on the programme, Albie developed both on and off the pitch before successfully trialling for RUCT’s Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) and earning a place within the programme.

Following his progression, Andrew Isaacs Law continued their support by providing a further bursary, allowing Albie to take the next step in his football journey.

His dad, Daniel, said: “He loves coming to Rotherham and gets on with all the coaches. They give him everything, just as he gives everything himself, and we have seen him progress while coming to Rotherham.

“His confidence has definitely grown.”

Albie had only recently received his hearing aids when he first joined Future Stars, but Daniel says this has never been a barrier to his involvement at RUCT.

He added: “It has not made any difference to how anybody at Rotherham has treated him. Everyone has been brilliant with him, and he has loved it.

“The coaches are fantastic. They are all encouraging and constantly trying to get the best out of every child.”

For Albie and his family, the financial support provided through the bursary has played an important role in allowing him to continue his journey.

Daniel explained: “Without the bursary, we would probably have to reconsider whether we could fetch him to the sessions, purely from a financial point of view.

“That is sad because he absolutely loves playing football. The opportunities he has had while playing, learning and being coached here have been fantastic.”

Both of Albie’s bursaries have been funded by Andrew Isaacs Law Ltd, an award-winning Divorce and Family Law firm based in Rotherham, which provides advice and support to families across a range of areas.

Rachael Gromett, Associate Solicitor at Andrew Isaacs Law Ltd, has seen the impact of RUCT’s football pathway first-hand through her own son, who also takes part in the programme. This personal connection helped inspire the firm’s decision to fund Albie’s bursary and give another young person the opportunity to participate and progress.

Rachael said: “My own son is part of the football pathway and absolutely loves it, so much so that he has become very committed to it and has no problem dragging us out there in all weathers, including the snow!

“Seeing how much he enjoys being involved, the friendships he’s made and the confidence he’s gained has really shown me how valuable the pathway is.

“It also made the decision to support another young person an easy one. If we can help someone else have the same opportunity to get involved and enjoy their football, then we’re very happy to do so.”

As a family law firm, supporting a local family also closely reflects the work Andrew Isaacs Law carries out every day.

Rachael continued: “Behind all our work in family law, we support families through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Having the opportunity to support a local child and family in a positive, everyday way meant a great deal to us as a firm and served as a reminder of why we do what we do.

“Knowing that our support keeps Albie on the pitch, playing football is truly heartwarming. That’s what this was about from the start, allowing a young person to keep doing what they love, without any barriers or financial worries.”

The partnership demonstrates how support from local businesses can help make sport and development opportunities more accessible to children and young people.

Rachael said: “Money shouldn’t be a reason a child misses out on something that could shape their future, their confidence and friendships.

“Sport teaches children qualities that stay with them throughout their lives like teamwork, resilience and discipline. Businesses are often in a better position to help than they realise; opportunities shouldn’t depend on what a family can afford.”

For Daniel, the impact of that support is already clear.

He said: “His confidence has grown and his love of football has been able to shine through. It is not just about Albie; it is about all the children who are on the pitch today. It is about all of them, as well as the individuals who have made the bursary possible.”

Rachael also encouraged other businesses across Rotherham to consider supporting young people through RUCT.

She added: “Working with RUCT has been amazing. Seeing the difference you are making to young people’s lives is really rewarding and it is a privilege to be in a position where you can help.

“We would definitely recommend working with RUCT if you are a local company wanting to make a big difference in the community.”

Rotherham United Community Trust would like to thank Rachael and the team at Andrew Isaacs Law Ltd for their continued support of Albie, from his time at Future Stars through to earning his place within the Emerging Talent Centre.

Could your business make a difference?

Albie’s story is just one example of the difference local businesses can make by creating opportunities for children, young people and communities across Rotherham.

Partnering with Rotherham United Community Trust is not only an opportunity to create meaningful social impact, but also to demonstrate your commitment to the local community, engage your employees, strengthen your brand and align with causes that matter to your customers and stakeholders.

RUCT would love to hear from businesses interested in providing a bursary to help remove financial barriers for a young person, sponsoring one of our programmes, or exploring a wider community partnership.

Whether you’re looking to support an individual, invest in a programme that reaches communities across the borough, or strengthen your organisation’s social value and community engagement objectives, our team can work with you to create a partnership that delivers value for both your business and the people of Rotherham.

To explore partnership opportunities with Rotherham United Community Trust, email development@ruct.co.uk or call 01709 827767.