Why choose XL for your GAP year?
The course is a combination of training and personal development coupled with the exciting challenge of presenting the message of Jesus. We believe that XL provides an exciting spiritual platform for people just like you to launch out into the rest of their lives. If you have a heart to learn and serve then maybe XL is for you.

Live as a team
XL is a church based programme. You will live together as a team in the Foundry Village in the XL house, which can accommodate up to 12 individuals. You will not be placed by yourself in a struggling church situation or be asked to live with a family.

Foundry Village Facilities
While on your XL GAP year you will enjoy full use of the excellent accommodation and facilities which the Foundry Village contains. A full size sports hall and our XL IT base with high speed internet connections so that you can stay in touch with family and friends.

Structured Teaching Programme
XL offers a structured syllabus of seminars and workshops. You’ll participate in lectures on such topics as Church History, Life in the Spirit, Christian Worship and Song Writing and more. Please see the “structure” page of this web site for a full list of seminar and workshop topics.

Spanish Mission Experience
3 weeks of the third term on XL will be spent working alongside churches in Spain. As a team you will be involved in outreach open airs in the local town squares. You will return with an insight into, and a passion for, global missions.

Diversity of Ministry
An important part of the XL GAP year involves integrating you into the life and work of Church @ The Foundry. This will provide hands on experience across a range of ministry opportunities, challenging you to develop new skills.

Loft Zone & West Bank Outreach
Over 100 unchurched young people visit the Loft Zone each week for games, Youth Alpha and to connect with caring individuals. As part of the 'XL TEAM' you will have the opportunity to share in these exciting youth outreach projects.

XL Your Life
Being apart of the “XL Team” also means you’re apart of the XL Your Life Theatre Company. Every generation of XL teams have gained increasingly more access into local schools to teach on topics like anti-bullying, friendship & sharing, respect through multimedia, drama and discussion. Through these opportunities we are gaining more ground to share the life of Jesus in these schools, therefore making a lifelong impact on the lives of children throughout the Cheshire areas.

Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a fully staffed 5 bed residential drug rehabilitation centre which is located on the Foundry Village. XL works in partnership with the Lighthouse foundation delivering drug education into local schools. As part of the XL programme the team receives in depth training on issues of drug and alcohol addiction from the Lighthouse staff.