Six youths have scored free travel for their sports education in London thanks to train operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
The youngsters, from Flitwick, Sandy and Stevenage, were struggling to afford the travel needed for their BTEC in Sports with Pro Direct Academy. Employee Engagement Manager Paula Hilliard at GTR, which runs Great Northern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Southern services, was delighted to be able to help out.
Head of Coaching Tom Hart explained: “Without the free travel the lads would have been left without the opportunity to continue their studies and education. Without the support of GTR they would have had no chance of working with us to complete this qualification. We really appreciate the efforts of Paula and the team at GTR to help them fulfil their full potential.”
Paula, who organises GTR’s ‘Get Into Railway’ programmes for disadvantaged individuals aged between 18 and 25, with charity the Prince’s Trust, added: “It’s such an honour to help these young men continue their studies and support them with this chance to improve their lives.
“We do a lot at GTR to help young people transform their lives and I love the work we do all 60 of those who join us on our Prince’s Trust development programme. It’s so wonderful to have the chance for us to make a difference to someone’s life. I look forward to hearing about how they progress and improve in the coming terms.”
