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Coach: Kieran Hatton 
AUGUST 9TH 2011 AND SOME WONDERFUL PLAYER TESTIMONIALS FROM SEASON 2... "At first unsure about the course, but by settling in it became useful and interesting. I feel more positive about my future and I'm glad I decided to finish It's a Goal! It has helped me tremendously and it is sad that its finished. I am also grateful to other people sharing their feelings so that I could open up to them and be taken seriously and not be laughed at. I feel more confident for which I am grateful." Stephen
"First week of It's a Goal! I felt a bit nervous and not sure what to expect. Second week more interesting and I began to feel more settled. By Weeks 3 and 4 still not too sure about It's a Goal! as people were leaving and I questioned if the programme was for me. Really glad I stayed with It's a Goal! I learned things that I didn't with psychologists - new avenues. Just felt really part of the team. Sorry to see it end after 11 weeks. I really enjoyed myself and I am very glad I stayed as I could talk about myself instead of being spoken to and given a chance to let out my feelings." Mike
APRIL 2011 AND IAG CHESTER FINISH THEIR FIRST SEASON...
The first season at the Deva comes to a close and here are some observations from the players themselves...
“I have become a better person in myself. I 100% agree to this course and to other people. I have learnt many useful tools that have made me a confident, outgoing individual.” Steve "It's been an uplifting experience which boosted my confidence and step by step increased the chance of achieving my ultimate goal. The group environment as part of a team benefits each other as it's helped with sharing expereiences and added some positive ideas which has helped me on my way. On the whole, I would recommend it to anyone." Mal
"This 11 week course has enabled me to build confidence and it has made me do things more naturally. When I walked into Chester FC for the first time I was questioning whether I was suitable for the course and feeling very uncomfortable. As the weeks went on I felt there was more structure to my week and by having the chance to set small goals each week I was testing myself with a purpose to share my achievements with the team. I felt involved in the group discussions every week on all topics and this has helped me to progress. I have a very positive outlook on life and my future thanks to IAG! and also I have the resources that IAG! have given me to go back on if I find myself needing something.I can now face new challenges and scenarios that have held me back for so long. Thanks." Nick
It is understood that two of the players have expressed interest in becoming volunteers during future seasons. Coach Kieran Hatton said: "We have now ended a successful first season at Chester FC with three players having completed the programme and receiving Certificates of Achievement. Some indication of the importance and benefits of It's a Goal! to the players who have just completed Season 1 can be gleaned by the above written testimonials.
FEBRUARY 2011 - IT'S A GOAL! LAUNCHES AT THE DEVA!
February 8th 2011 and It's a Goal! launches at the Deva Stadium, home of Evo-Stik First Division North side Chester FC with speeches from a number of key personnel, and hosted immaculately as ever by Steve McVickers, IAG North West Programme Co-ordinator for Nacro. Kieran Hatton, It’s a Goal! Chester coach, said: “It’s an important new service which reaches out to a section of the community that would not normally engage in this sort of thing - men aged over 18. The ‘players’ are attracted to the project because it takes place in a football stadium, which is a natural, warm environment for them. It’s a place where they can open up to each other, share their problems and issues and at the same time receive peer-group support and encouragement. We have an understanding of the experiences which the men are going through themselves. It’s great for the guys on the programme as they no longer feel isolated and alone. They realise there are others who have similar problems to them and they all share a common desire to better themselves.” Pat Cluskey, Chester FC general manager, said: “Chester FC wants to integrate itself into the local community. Our strapline is ‘Our city, Our community, Our club’, and we see the football club as being at the heart of the community in Chester. By being engaged with projects such as It’s a Goal! we are putting a focus events both on and off the pitch.”
Nacro won the tender to deliver a number of It's a Goal! projects in the North West and area manager, Debbie Air, said: “Young men are often reluctant to seek help for depression and mental health problems, which makes it very hard for the NHS to engage with them. This programme takes the support out into the community and presents it in a way that’s positive and accessible.”
Ex player Malachy Murray spoke about how massive the effect of the programme had been on his life and IAG National Development Director Pete Sayers talked about the history of It's a Goal!, it's philosophy and the opportunities that now lay ahead.
NHS Western Cheshire, head of mental health, Cathy Davis, said: “We have seen the impact of It’s a Goal! in other areas and also how successful it has been, which is why we were keen to see it introduced locally.”
 Kieran Hatton, IAG Coach, talks about the Chester It's a Goal! programme.  Pat Cluskey, Chester FC General Manager, gives the club's backing to It's a Goal!  Invited guests enjoy the Chester launch.  Steve McVickers - Mine Host  Pete Sayers, Malachy Murray, Steve McVickers and Debbie Air at the Chester launch  Deva Stadium - home of Chester FC  Steve & Kieran outside the Deva. JANUARY 2011 - Great news for Chester as It's a Goal! gears up for its first season at the Deva Stadium. Matches will take place at the ground every Thursday afternoon the first being on Thursday 27 January. The date for the official launch has also been confirmed and will take place on Thursday 8 February at the ground at 2pm. MEET THE NEW IT'S A GOAL! HEAD COACH AT CHESTER FOOTBALL CLUB...  Meet Kieran Hatton, the new It's a Goal! Head Coach at Chester FC. Kieran will be delivering It's a Goal! seasons at the Deva Stadium starting in the New Year and anyone wanting to get on the programme or alternatively refer someone else can get in touch with him using the contact details at the top of the page.
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