CLD United is an education and physical activity-based programme delivered in partnership with Dundee City Council Learning and Development.  It covers the Maryfield (DISC Target Project) Ward in Dundee.

The CLD United project consists of two strands: an education/employability component and peer-led diversionary activity in the local community. The project targets secondary school children who are at risk of not achieving a positive destination when they leave school. These young people who are part of the project are identified by local schools, police, CLD & social workers.

CLD United provides targeted young people with support in achieving a positive destination through different types of qualifications such as a qualification in sports leadership, nationally recognised “Heart Start” training, Scottish FA coaching qualifications & Saltire Award recognition. As part of the project, the young people will also complete hundreds of hours of volunteering at the diversionary football drop-in sessions.  This process ensures that individuals who may not have been successful academically at school have the chance to gain qualifications and key skills that will help increase their chances of moving into employment.  Dundee United Community Trust also provides paid employment opportunities for those who perform well within the project and these staff members become peer mentors, leading the delivery of the diversionary activity in the community.

In addition to the education part of the project, there is the delivery of peer-led diversionary activity within the community. This part of the project is where the young people develop their skills in a practical and real environment as they take ownership of delivering this service for their local community. This includes organising and facilitating football matches for local children in an effort to reduce anti-social behaviour in the Maryfield Ward in Dundee.

If you’d like to find out more about CLD United, please e-mail enquiries@dundeeunitedct.co.uk.