Learning to dance to raise funds to boost youth football coaching
Figures from the worlds of sport, broadcasting and business are set to take to the dance floor to raise money to help vulnerable or disadvantaged youngsters access top quality football training.
Port Vale defender Nathan Smith (pictured with dance partner Lauren Taylor), Port Vale women’s captain Meg Baldwin, Radio Stoke’s Phil Bowers, TV presenter Jonty Sargeant and Complete Communications managing director Nick Holland are in training with dance partners from Defy Gravity Studios in Tunstall ahead of a glittering charity ball in aid of Pro Level Vision.
Money raised by the dancers ahead of the ball, which will be held on Saturday, March 22, will be converted into a percentage of votes on the night which will go towards deciding who is crowned the winner.
The Pro Level Vision Glitter Ball will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton on Festival Park, and guests will enjoy a drinks reception and three-course meal, with a DJ and dancing after the Strictly-style competition. A raffle and silent auction will also run throughout the evening.
Founded by Nathan Smith and former Port Vale captain Tom Conlon, who now plays for Oldham Athletic, Pro Level Vision offers funded places for children and young people from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire who would not otherwise be able to access football coaching.
The charity has also teamed up with Caudwell Children to run a pan-disability football team.
Pro Level Vision is the charity arm of Pro Level Academy, which was set up by Tom and Nathan in 2021 and holds sessions at Keele University and in Stone.
Tom Conlon said: “Football is a fantastic way to support childhood development, both on and off the pitch, and the funds we raise at our second charity ball will help us offer our unique quality coaching to all children.”
Nathan Smith added: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning to dance in aid of this great cause. Last year’s ball raised £20,000 and we want to raise even more this time.”
To book a table, donate to your favourite dancer or bid in the silent auction, visit https://app.galabid.com/plv-
Sophie Toft (dancer) and Nick Holland of Complete Communications
