GRADUATES of a community project are to be rewarded with a VIP treatment at a crucial Premier League game this weekend.

Middlesbrough Football Club fans who have completed the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme will be invited onto the pitch for the club’s Premier League fixture against West Ham United tomorrow.

NCS Match Day, organised by MFC Foundation, will see the lucky graduates taking part in the warm up and enjoying special treatment throughout the day, meeting the likes of George Friend, Alvaro Negredo and Marten de Roon.

The event will launch the national two week NCS Match Day activity, which aims to highlight the positive work the youngsters taking part in the programme have done in their community.

NCS is a government backed programme that sees 15 to 17-year-olds growing their skills by taking part in a community project, as well as fun challenges and adventures.

Graduate Connor Harris, 16, said it had been an “amazing experience” to be involved.

“NCS has developed me into a mature young adult and had equipped me with many life skills which will benefit me in the future.”

Boro defender George Friend, a big supporter of the programme, said: “I think NCS is brilliant – it gives young people the chance to experience a variety of activities and challenges whilst building new friendships and benefiting the local community.

“Ultimately, NCS lays a solid foundation for these guys to go on confidently and achieve whatever they want in the future.

Claire Streeter, NCS co-ordinator at MFC Foundation, said: “I would encourage any young person to take part in NCS – it is a unique opportunity where you can develop life and employability skills, make new friends and have lots of fun.”