Thursday 3rd October 2013

One local student has been described as a 'credit to Chesterfield' after completing a volunteer project in Africa.



19-year-old Chris Spencer-Payne, (above), from Derbyshire, had always wanted to visit Kenya: "I had wanted to do some voluntary work before I go to university in September and I wanted it to be in Kenya as my Dad was born there; so I had wanted to visit for a while."

An avid football fan, Chris decided to sign up for the Projects Abroad Sports Project in Nakuru. He said, "Football is my life so why not play football in Kenya whilst helping the community?"

The Sports Project is a unique initiative and Chris, being among the first volunteers to work at this new project, had no reservations in helping coach the local slum children to help keep them off the streets through football.

Every day, Chris coached two sessions; one in the morning where he would coach and rehabilitate the smaller children and one in the afternoon where he, along with other volunteers, would train with the senior team and also coach the school going children.

Chris's main responsibilities included teaching football techniques to the children and helping them to keep off the streets by organising weekly football games. He said, "Volunteers are extremely helpful at this project since there are too many children for the local coaches to deal with - and volunteers can provide diverse methods of training to the locals and learn something too in return.

"We are given the chance to conduct full training sessions which has helped us develop a programme where other volunteers can take over and continue with once we are gone, it has also helped us sharpen our coaching skills, especially for the volunteers who want to pursue that as a career."

Despite the cultural differences, Chris's host-family's hospitality, especially his host-mum's delicious home-cooking, helped him to adapt quickly and settle in well, "There is nothing to dislike here! The people are amazing and the nature is breath-taking but my favourite thing about Kenya is how relaxed everything is."

After his one and a half month's stay in Kenya, Chris will leave having made a real effort to make a difference through football. After his return to the UK, Chris plans to start studying Sports Journalism at Leeds Trinity University. Chris's parting advice is this, "Don't be shy and give it 100%."

RECENT STORIES

GERMANY TRIUMPH OVER SPAIN AT THE PROACT IN THE U17 LADIES EURO FINAL -
Germany came from behind to beat Spain, in a thrilling penalty shoot-out, in the final of the Women's Under-17 European Championship at Chesterfield FC's Proact Stadium. More...

FOOTBALL FANS INVITED TO SEE LADIES U17 EURO CHAMPS FINAL -
Football fans are invited to Chesterfield FC's PROACT Stadium as the best young female footballers in Europe play for victory in the Final of the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship More...

SEMI FINALS LINE UP FOR LADIES U17 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS -
Football heavy weights England, Italy, Germany and Spain have reached the semi finals of the UEFA Euro Women's Under-17 finals being hosted by The FA. More...

ENGLAND'S YOUNG LIONESSES ROAR TO VICTORY OVER AUSTRIA -
It was a case of 'girl power' on Friday night as Chesterfield's PROACT stadium hosted their first match of four as part of the UEFA European Women's U-17 Championship. More...

HERE COME THE GIRLS! -
England fans are urged to get to the PROACT Stadium on Friday 29th November, and be part of an exciting evening of women's football, as the England team will play their second match of the much-awaited UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship. More...

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ENGLAND'S FEMALE FOOTBALL STARS OF TOMORROW -
Chesterfield FC hosts many prestigious games, including the Final, in this year's UEFA U17 European Women's Championships and we have 5 FREE Family tickets to the match on Friday 29th November to give away! More...

STUDENT CREATES FIRST UK WEBSITE FOR TEENS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY -
A Chesterfield teenager with cerebral palsy is using her gap year to help other young people with the condition, by creating the UK's first website dedicated to them
More...

PROACT TO HOST WOMEN'S U17 UEFA EURO CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL -
It has been confirmed that Chesterfield FC's Proact Stadium will host four games in the UEFA Women's European Under-17 Championship Finals, including the Final itself. More...

A CHESTERFIELD SWIMMING STAR IN THE MAKING -
A swimming star in the making, 9-year old Natalia Mettam, has become the first person to complete her swimming Honours Award, at Staveley's Healthy Living Centre. More...

LOCAL MUM WENDY (BODY) BUILDS HER WAY TO SUCCESS AT 45 -
The old adage says that "life begins at 40" and one local lady has proved that as she took 2nd place in a body building competition, having only taken up the discipline a year ago. More...

CASA HOTEL ARE NEW SPONSORS OF OTHER SPORTS COVERAGE ON THE POST -
We are pleased to announce that Chesterfield's multi-award winning 4 star hotel, the Casa, are the new sponsors of the Chesterfield Post's 'Other Sports' section, showing their support for local sport in the community. More...

A SPORTS CENTRE FOR THE 21st CENTURY -
We have today received images of what the proposed new Leisure Centre at Queen's Park Annexe would look like. More...

CHESTERFIELD LADIES NEW KIT GRANT AND NEW PLAYER SEARCH -
Chesterfield Ladies are proud to announce the club has received a grant from the Premier League Players Kit Scheme. The kit will be used by the new Under 11's team. More...

CHALLENGE MONTY'S 60 60 SCORE AT GRASSMOOR GOLF CLUB -
Grassmoor Golf Club is to hold a challenge to see if anyone can beat international Golfing superstar Colin Montgomerie's 60 60 Driving Range score! More...

CHESTERFIELD TOWN GIRLS U16s FOOTBALL TEAM LOOKING FOR FRESH LEGS -
Chesterfield Town Under 16s Girls football team are staging trials for new players during June/July. More...

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD AS SPORTS ACADEMY OPENS IN CHESTERFIELD -
It's an exciting new adventure for us - Dave Bentley, former professional footballer and former Chesterfield Academy Manager More...

BOXING SPIREITE SET FOR THIRD PRO FIGHT THIS WEEK -
Boxing Spireite 'Razor' Rod Smith is preparing for his third professional fight later this week. More...

BOXING CLEVER. LIFE AFTER OZBOX -
Six young people who train with Derbyshire Constabulary's OzBox team have gone on to win bouts as amateur boxers. More...

ENGLAND LEGEND SIR GEOFF HURST VISITS CHESTERFIELD TOWN FC U13s -
Chesterfield Town FC U13s were joined by England football legend and McDonald's Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst at their home ground on Sunday 7th April More...

CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY -
Chesterfield Ladies FC's results and performances during February 2013. More...

OLYMPIC SQUASH BOOST FOR BRAMPTON MANOR -
Brampton Manor Sports Club in Chesterfield has secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund to upgrade it's Squash and Racketball courts to elite competition standard. More...

WORLD NEWS: NADAL CLAIMS FIRST POKER TOURNAMENT WIN -
Tennis legend and Team PokerStars Pro Rafa Nadal has won his first ever PokerStars tournament - the King of Clay can now add the online poker victory to the 11 Grand Slam titles he already has to his name. More...

CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC UPDATE FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY -
Chesterfield Ladies FC's results and performances during Dec 2012 and Jan 2013. The weather has caused some disruption - with many games called off. More...

NEW KIT FOR CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC -
Chesterfield Ladies U18's Whites have been supplied with a new kit - a big thanks to the Derbyshire Freemasons. More...

LOCAL WRESTLER ON THE BILL AS FAMOUS SHOW COMES TO THE WINDING WHEEL -
UWE Megaslam American Wrestling, famed for it's all action family friendly American Wrestling events, are preparing to slam down for a debut in Chesterfield at The Winding Wheel More...

CHESTERFIELD FIGHTER BOXES CLEVER FOR
CHARITY -
Boxer Greg Scott-Briggs is happy to be written off before he meets a knock-out king in Derby next month. More...

CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC NOVEMBER UPDATE -
An update for Chesterfield Ladies Football Club of their results and performances during November 2012. More...

LOCAL SPORTING STARS CONTEND 2012 DERBYSHIRE SPORTS AWARDS -
Chesterfield sporting star Liam Pitchford and Chesterfield Town FC are among those to have been shortlisted for the 2012 Derbyshire Sports Awards. More...

CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC KICK START THEIR SEASON-
With the new 2012/2013 Football Season under way, Chesterfield Ladies FC teams have had differing starts. More...

SPORTING TALENT IN SCHOOLS RECOGNISED AT DSSA SPORTS AWARDS -
Teams from Glebe Junior School and Ashgate Croft School were among the winners at the 2012 Derbyshire Schools' Sports Association Sports Awards. More...

PODIUM OFFERS BURSARIES FOR LOCAL YOUNG ATHLETES -
A scheme that offers bursaries to promising young athletes in Derbyshire is currently inviting applications for 2013. More...

GAMESMAKER FATHER & DAUGHTERS "UNBELIEVABLE MEMORIES" -
Father and Daughter, Richard and Sian Pentin, have recently spent two weeks in London as Gamesmakers at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. More...

ROCKIE ROCKETS CLAY CROSS INTO 7TH HEAVEN. REPORT -
For Clay Cross Town FC, the season started with 4 straight league wins, followed by 2 defeats. It was vital to stop the rot and get back to winning ways and they did so in style! More...

OLYMPIAN ELLIE KOYANDER BACKS ACTIVE DERBYSHIRE COMPETITION -
Inspiring Derbyshire Olympian Elllie Koyander has thrown her support behind the 'Inspired By The Games' themed competition More...

OLYMPIC MILESTONES MARK LASTING LEGACY FOR COUNTY-
The Olympics will leave a lasting, permanent legacy across Derbyshire with the unveiling of eleven milestone markers on September 9th. More...

INSPIRED BY THE OLYMPICS? ACTIVE DERBYSHIRE WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU -
Active Derbyshire is launching a competition for individuals and families who have been inspired by the amazing summer of sport More...

"IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE" OLYMPIC VOLUNTEER KAY ADKINS -
The Olympics has now drawn to a close and is being hailed a huge success for Team GB. Olympic Volunteer Kay Adkins tells us of ther experience at London 2012 More...

YOUNG DERBYSHIRE ATHLETES HURDLE TO SUCCESS -
All-conquering Junior Girl 75m hurdlers, Alicia Barrett and Emma Schaanning, reaped the rewards of their hard work in training, winning Gold and Silver at this year's ESAA Champs More...

DERBYSHIRE YOUTH SAILING TEAM DEFEND NATIONAL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP -
A 36 strong team of Derbyshire Youth Sailing members is sailing at the National School Sailing Association (NSSA) Golden Jubilee Regatta 2012 in Weymouth this week More...

CHESTERFIELD LADIES FC SAY THANKS AND PITCH FOR NEW PLAYERS -
Chesterfield Ladies FC say that they would like to thank Co-operative Membership Community Fund for their award and valuable work in the local community. More...

STAINES FIRES UP LONDON 2012 -
When the starting gun is raised for the start of the first track event at the 2012 Olympics, the man firing it is likely to be Newbold man Gordon Staines More...

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR DERBYSHIRE SCHOOL SPORT AWARDS -
The sporting achievements of Derbyshire school pupils and teams will be celebrated later this year at the DSSA Sports Awards. More...

GRACE VAULTS INTO GOLD MEDAL POSITION -
It's hoped that one young gymnast from Chesterfield will be emulating her father and heading for the Olympics in years to come. More...

KUKRI SUPPORTS DSSA WITH NEW KIT SPONSORSHIP -
Kukri has become the Official Kit Supplier of the Derbyshire Schools' Sports Association (DSSA), as part of a new sponsorship agreement. More...

ENGLAND 2, GERMANY 0. SOMERSALL SET THE EURO STANDARD -
Somersall Rangers U12s team set the standard for England to aim for at the Euros, by beating two German teams in their own back yard. More...

ONE OF THE CHOSEN FEW -
A man from Chesterfield who has devoted his life to sport has now been chosen to play a major part at London 2012. More...

CHESTERFIELD LOCAL SET TO CARRY PARALYMPIC FLAME -
Jayne Allen from Chesterfield has been chosen as one of just 100 Sainsbury's customers to carry the Paralympic flame after being nominated through her local store in Matlock. More...

LOCAL GROUPS SET TO BENEFIT FROM FUNDING -
Over 40 groups to benefit from grants of up to £250 each from Derbyshire's Community Sports Trust funded through the government’s Social Action Fund. More...

PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL -
Young people in Chesterfield were given their chance to shine at an event, hosted by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Sport, at the b2net stadium this morning. More...

SIR CHRIS HOY URGES LOCAL RESIDENTS TO 'SHINE' THIS SUMMER -
Four-time Olympic Champion, Sir Chris Hoy has urged Chesterfield residents to take to the streets on June 29th for the London 2012 Torch Relay More...

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST PAUL GOODISON VISITS CHESTERFIELD -
The countdown to London 2012 is on in earnest and for one local competitor it just can't come quickly enough. More...

LOCAL YOUNG ATHLETES SHINE AS NEW SEASON BEGINS-
Joe Walker was awarded the Club's 'Athlete of the Day' for his winning treble (all Grade 1), while Emma Schaanning took the female honours More...

YOUNG ATHLETES ON TRACK FOR NEW SEASON SUCCESS -
The young athletes of Chesterfield & District AC started off the new season with a narrow second place behind old rivals Amber Valley More...

CHESTERFIELD AC ATHLETES SHINE IN AREA FINALS -
Chesterfield AC athletes again contributed massively to victories for Derbyshire in 3 of the 4 age-groups of the Aviva Sportshall East Midlands Final More...

LOCAL U12 FOOTBALL TEAM CHAPIONS WITH 100% RECORD -
Somersall Rangers FC U12s are celebrating after claiming their Division Championship for the 2nd year in succession - without dropping a single point all season! More...

NORTH DERBYSHIRE SCHOOLS AMONGST WINNERS AT WINTER SCHOOL GAMES -
Teams from The Bolsover School and Hasland Hall Community School were among the winners at the Derbyshire Winter School Games. More...

CHESTERFIELD AC'S ALICIA BARRETT STRIKES GOLD AGAIN-
Chesterfield AC's Alicia Barrett stamped the form of her recent victory in the Northern Champs with another Gold Medal performance in the England Athletics Indoor Champs More...

ATHLETICS GIRLS RUN AWAY WITH BEST TEAM IN DERBYSHIRE-
Chesterfield were crowned best team in the Derbyshire Mini Cross-Country League at the end-of-season awards. More...

187 DERBYSHIRE ATHLETES SHARE OF £40,000 BURSARIES -
187 promising sports performers from Derbyshire have shared more than £40,000 after each being awarded a bursary More...

CHESTERFIELD ATHLETES CROWNED CHAMPIONS AGAIN -
Chesterfield Athletics Club were crowned champions of the Derbyshire Mini Sportshall League for the 2nd year running More...

COUNTY SUCCESS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES -
Chesterfield AC's Tasmin Boam, representing Derbyshire Dales, added the Schools' gold medal to her Derbyshire club title More...

OLYMPIC COACH APPOINTED TO HELP DERBYSHIRE ATHLETES -
A performance coach who led athletes to medal success at two Olympic Games has been appointed to work with some of Derbyshire's most talented emerging sports stars More...

KINGS STILL TOP OF THE TABLE -
Another cold night at Tupton Hall School provided three exciting, tight Footy Legends 6-a-side matches. More...

NEW LOCAL 6-A-SIDE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PROVES TO BE A WINNER -
A superb first week played on a cold crisp last Tuesday night on Tupton Hall's all weather pitch. More...

NCWA BECOMES A LIMITED COMPANY -
One local company has proved that, despite the recession, it’s going from strength to strength. More...

TABLE TENNIS STAR PITCHFORD WINS SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD -
Chesterfield table tennis star Liam Pitchford has been named University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year at the Derbyshire Sports Awards. More...

SUCCESS ON WORLD STAGE FOR LOCAL YOUNGSTER -
Chesterfield Table Tennis player Liam Pitchford, has now been named as England's new senior No.1 More...

JUST DO MORE -
Residents in North East Derbyshire are being offered a 50% discount on monthly membership at leisure centres in the area. More...

GOLD MEDALLIST VISITS NE DERBYSHIRE -
A Commonwealth Games gold medallist, took the plunge in NE Derbyshire. More...