In our latest leadership round-up, we bring news of the government’s new incentive which allows employers to apply for a £1,000 cash boost for every new trainee taken on by their business, up to a maximum of ten. Meanwhile, Sport4Kids has announced the launch of the Beta version of its new app, and Luton Town Football Club brought in two new players on the UK’s deadline day for transfers between clubs earlier this week.
New £1,000 cash boost for traineeships
The government has announced that employers can now apply for a £1,000 payment for each new trainee taken on by their business.
The scheme, available until July 31 this year, is aimed at helping firms manage the cost of providing training.
Firms offering new traineeship opportunities will receive £1,000 for every trainee taken on, up to a maximum of ten new recruits.
The cash incentive can be claimed for all work placements that have been completed since September 1, 2020.
Gillian Keegan, minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, said: “This cash boost will help employers of all sizes provide more traineeship opportunities, to invest in their workforce so they can rebuild and grow, giving young people a vital route to start their apprenticeship journey, get their first job or go on to further study.
“I strongly encourage as many employers as possible to apply now and take advantage of this fantastic offer so more young people can gain the skills they need to progress in their careers as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Sport4Kids launches Beta version of its new app
Sport4Kids has announced the launch of its S4K App, which will be made available to all parents and children who attend Sport4Kids classes.
Through the app, parents and children will be able to track progress and seek advice on new ways of gaining MVP Championship Points and accessing S4K awards and incentives.
Sport4Kids co-founder and chief operating officer Dr Mark Gould said: “Our team have been working around the clock to bring the release date of the app forward. It will be a major step forward in helping children and parents practice sport at home while we cannot conduct face-to-face sessions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”
Luton Town add two on transfer deadline day
On February 1, the final permitted day for transfers of footballers between UK clubs in the winter transfer window, Luton Town FC strengthened their squad with the acquisition of two new players.
One of the Bedfordshire club’s signings saw striker Elijah Adebayo join the 'Hatters' on a permanent transfer from West Midlands side Walsall, for an undisclosed fee.
The London-born player who initially came through the ranks at Fulham has scored ten goals for Walsall in Sky Bet League Two this season, and has previous experience in the English Football League representing Cheltenham Town, Swindon Town and Stevenage.
Luton's other deadline day addition saw Stoke City attacker Tom Ince join the club on loan until the end of the season. The vastly experienced winger has spent the majority of his career in the top two divisions of English football with clubs including Crystal Palace, Hull City, Huddersfield Town, Blackpool and Derby County.
Ince once more links up with Luton manager Nathan Jones, who worked with the player during a managerial spell in the Potteries earlier in his career.
Jones commented: “I’m delighted to get Tom down here. He’s a player I know very well from my time at Stoke. He’ll give us real quality in the final third and it just shows one, the ambition here, and two, the reputation we are starting to build, that we can attract him.
“I had a really good relationship with him when I was working with him at Stoke. He’s someone I rate really highly. He’s had a fantastic career, been promoted, been sold for a lot of money and played in the Premier League.
“Speaking to Tom as well, he’s really committed. He just wants to get back playing and he’s got the hunger to really do well, so he ticks all the boxes we look for in a new signing.”
Meanwhile, Luton Town forward Elliott Lee has left the club until the end of the 2020/21 football season, joining Oxford United on loan. The player netted 27 goals in 112 matches for the 'Hatters' prior to his departure.
