EFL Clubs crown more Community Champions on the second EFL Community Weekend

/in , /by

The English Football League (EFL) continued to celebrate the important role that their Club Community Organisations (CCOs) play in their local communities this weekend; with more staff, volunteers and participants nominated as their Clubs local Community Champions.

Unfortunately Stevenage’s game against Barnsley was postponed due to a frozen pitch. However, Stevenage FC Foundation’s still took time to celebrate their Community Champion XI, although they will have to wait for their plaudits at The Lamex Stadium.

Pete Moss one of the eleven nominated by the Foundation is a frequent participant at walking football sessions where he first attended in 2016. Just four years later in 2020, Pete was selected to represent England against Welsh counterparts until COVID-19 made him wait until 2022 to finally get his hands on his England cap.

His support for the Foundation extends further than his beloved walking football, as he also volunteers for the charity Samaritans and supports the Extra Time Hub sessions at The Oval Community Centre on a Thursday.

Pete noted “These events have been positive for my mental and physical wellbeing through interaction with new people and taking part in new activities. I consider myself fortunate that my involvement in the Foundation sessions has had such a positive impact on my life”.

https://twitter.com/borofoundation/status/1748021721163067509

A 0-0 draw for Derby away to Lincoln was not what the Rams fans would have wanted to celebrate this weekend however they will be celebrating one of their own Community Champions, Alex Owens.

Derby celebrated their Community Champions ahead of their last game against local rivals, Burton Albion where they were presented to the crowd and pictured with both captains at Pride Park.

Alex has played football with Derby County Community Trust since the age of 10 where she was part of the Regional Talent Centre set-up. Now aged 17, she’s part of the popular Football and Education programme whilst continuing to represent Derby County U20’s in the FA Women’s National League Reserve Midland Division where her side is currently unbeaten.

As well as being a distinction student, Alex also qualified as a referee in October and officiates on the Female Talent Pathway fixtures every Saturday. As well as giving her time to support these fixtures, she regularly volunteers as a coach on a Friday evening at the ETC helping to inspire the next generation of female footballers.

 

Another fixture in League One where Wigan’s Thelo Aasgaard scored the only goal in their game against Reading to secure his side three points.

With three points being celebrated at the DW Stadium, the Lactics also had Dennis Heaton to honour ahead of kick off as he was chosen as their Community Champion.

Dennis has Parkinson’s disease and is a member of Wigan Athletics’ Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub programme.
The Extra Time Hub aims to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst over 55’s with the weekly sessions allowing participants to enjoy their retirement years, remain active and meet new people.

Since joining the sessions, Dennis has gone from strength to strength and gained a new lease on life. Dennis has taken on several challenges, including learning to rock climb, flying a plane and taking on the world’s longest zipline to raise over £1,000 to support the work of Wigan Athletic Community Trust.

https://twitter.com/LaticsCommunity/status/1749356251388018883

Plymouth Argyle almost had their fans worried after they conceded early on in their Championship fixture with Cardiff City who sit four points ahead of Argyle however a Ryan Hardie double and a late Morgan Whittaker goal earnt a comeback win at Home Park.

Argyle’s Community Heroes attended Home Park as special guests on Saturday, and were presented with a bespoke framed shirt, referencing their incredible commitment and hard work to the community.

Alec is Cornish born but Argyle through and through and has held multiple roles with the Club and Trust across his long and proud career. A career which has spanned decades and began with Alec running the Argyle youth team and Centre of Excellence, supporting and mentoring local young people in football.

Alec became involved in the Trust when the EFL introduced the original Community Scheme, and he has dedicated the last 25 years leading ‘Matchday Magic’ at Home Park Stadium – a matchday provision inspiring local young people and creating the next generation of the Green Army.

Al’s passion for the club and professionalism has made him a firm favourite at Argyle and within the city.

Argyle Community Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Lovell said: “We are extremely grateful for the incredible work of our community heroes and the commitment they show. This is a great opportunity to honour them and celebrate these special people, people I am proud to have worked with and to call my friends.

“We are delighted to welcome them as guests of honour in front of a sold-out Home Park and give them the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication.”

 

EFL Clubs celebrate local community heroes

/in /by

Last weekend marked the first-ever EFL Community Weekend campaign, as Clubs across the EFL highlighted and rewarded the tireless work of staff and volunteers at Club Community Organisations (CCOs), whilst also showcasing the stories of participants within their local communities whose lives have been changed through the power and work of their football club and their charities.

As matches took place up and down the country, community champions everywhere were thanked and rewarded.

In Suffolk, Ipswich Town honoured season ticket holder Adam Woodmason who led the teams out in their fixture against Sunderland on Saturday. Adam was registered blind five years ago but was determined to continue his independence despite his diagnosis, this included attending his beloved Portman Road to enjoy his side playing football.

With matchday assistance from the club and its foundation, including access to Soccer Sight descriptive commentary which offers detailed real-time coverage to assist visually impaired supporters in being part of the matchday experience, Adam is able to enjoy his matchdays to the full.

As well as attending regularly as a season ticket holder, Adam also participates in numerous programmes that the Ipswich Town Foundation facilitates. He takes part in weekly walking football sessions as well as being a frequent attendee at Senior Blues, which is an inclusive environment designed to support social inclusion and light physical activity.

Adam says that his involvement with the Foundation has been a great help: “When I got told I lost my sight five years ago, there was a dread of the unknown,” he said. “Senior Blues and walking football have both helped me to interact with new people, which has helped me no end.”

Ipswich Town's community champion Adam Woodmason leading out the sides ahead of their fixture against Sunderland.

Photo Credit: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock

From the South East to North Wales, where Wrexham shone a light on their Wrexham Miners Project at their game against AFC Wimbledon.

Alan, Margaret, George and Sharon were presented with a certificate by Executive Director Humphrey Ker in celebration of the positive impact the Miners Project has had on the local community.

The Wrexham Miners Project preserves the borough’s heritage and commemorates the tragic 1934 Gresford Colliery Disaster, as well as providing a hub for the local community to partake in various recreational, educational and social activities.

As Wrexham climbed to second in League Two with their win over AFC Wimbledon, Cambridge United hosted Fleetwood Town in League One with Sully Kaikai the hero for his side as his stoppage time winner saw them take all three points from the visitors.

However, Cambridge United Foundation’s Simon Wall may just put into perspective a true hero.

The Foundation’s Community Engagement manager, Simon lives just a short walk from the club and truly embodies committing to make a difference to his local community.

Simon is invaluable to Cambridge United Foundation’s team as he plays a pivotal role in hosting sessions for those young and old from holiday camps to Forever United. Evidently, Simon has strived to ensure his community are better served as he has dedicated thousands of hours to delivering meals, hosting bootcamps, and doing garden gate check-ins with vulnerable adults during covid and providing lifesaving CPR to one of our walking football participants, saving his life before paramedics arrived.

From League Two to the Championship, where Cardiff City Foundation showcased two very worthy community champions.

Zack’s involvement with the Community Foundation spans more than two years, during which time he has consistently attended an impressive four sessions per week. His commitment goes beyond mere participation as he actively contributes to Inclusive Football Sessions, supporting beneficiaries with complex needs on a one-to-one basis.

Despite facing multiple disabilities, he has demonstrated unwavering determination. The support of his parents has been crucial, as they ensure his attendance at sessions since Zack is not able to drive. This collaborative effort showcases the strength of community and familial support in overcoming challenges.

Through his involvement with the Community Foundation, Zack has experienced significant personal growth. His confidence has blossomed, and with the Community Foundation’s support, he now leads aspects of session delivery.

As Wrexham climbed to second in League Two with their win over AFC Wimbledon, Cambridge United hosted Fleetwood Town in League One with Sully Kaikai the hero for his side as his stoppage time winner saw them take all three points from the visitors.

However, Cambridge United Foundation’s Simon Wall may just put into perspective a true hero.

The Foundation’s Community Engagement manager, Simon lives just a short walk from the club and truly embodies committing to make a difference to his local community.

Simon is invaluable to Cambridge United Foundation’s team as he plays a pivotal role in hosting sessions for those young and old from holiday camps to Forever United. Evidently, Simon has strived to ensure his community are better served as he has dedicated thousands of hours to delivering meals, hosting bootcamps, and doing garden gate check-ins with vulnerable adults during covid and providing lifesaving CPR to one of our walking football participants, saving his life before paramedics arrived.

From League Two to the Championship, where Cardiff City Foundation showcased two very worthy community champions.

Zack’s involvement with the Community Foundation spans more than two years, during which time he has consistently attended an impressive four sessions per week. His commitment goes beyond mere participation as he actively contributes to Inclusive Football Sessions, supporting beneficiaries with complex needs on a one-to-one basis.

Despite facing multiple disabilities, he has demonstrated unwavering determination. The support of his parents has been crucial, as they ensure his attendance at sessions since Zack is not able to drive. This collaborative effort showcases the strength of community and familial support in overcoming challenges.

Through his involvement with the Community Foundation, Zack has experienced significant personal growth. His confidence has blossomed, and with the Community Foundation’s support, he now leads aspects of session delivery.

Continuing with personal growth, dedication and commitment is Grace Snell.

Struggling with mainstream education and having had a challenging experience engaging in her subjects, Grace found her calling in the world of sports and sought an alternative path to pursue her interests.

Grace’s journey with the Community Foundation began when she joined the BTEC Level 3 sport programme. Now in her second year of the Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development in partnership with the EFL Trust and the University of South Wales, Grace has not only excelled academically but has also emerged as a true community hero through her commitment to volunteering and community engagement.

Grace’s impact is particularly noteworthy in her role within the Foundation’s secondary education programme at St Cenydd Comprehensive School. Working closely with pupils, Grace has built a rapport and understanding by drawing on her personal experiences. She connects with young individuals facing similar challenges, providing them with a relatable role model.

These individuals showcase the important work going on at Club Community Organisations nationwide, and with this coming matchday weekend (19th-21st) being the second EFL Community Matchday, clubs will continue to spotlight their huge successes in providing and bettering their local communities.

https://twitter.com/CCFC_Foundation/status/1746162741163753676

 

 

EFL CLUBS SHINE LIGHT ON LOCAL COMMUNITY HEROES

/in , /by

Local community heroes will be celebrated up and down the country from Friday 12 January to Saturday 20 January as the EFL, EFL Trust, 72 EFL Clubs and their Community Club Organisations launch the first-ever EFL Community Weekends.  

Across the period, Clubs, managers and players will mark the incredible work that community staff and volunteers deliver 365 days per year, while participants from community programmes will be honoured by special visits from players and matchday activities.

As part of matchday activations, fans will get the chance to hear from participants that have had their lives changed or even saved by their Club’s community work and find out more details about the range of projects and ways to get involved.

A host of these community heroes and projects that will be recognised include:

  • Colchester United’s community champion, Lauren, who has recently been re-diagnosed with a brain tumour and is documenting her journey to raise awareness for other young people living with similar conditions
  • Volunteers from Hull City’s Street Soccer Academy, a funded programme designed to build confidence and life-skills for local young people
  • Programme leaders and participants from Ipswich Town’s ‘Senior Blues’ initiative, which provides an inclusive environment to tackle loneliness and promote active lifestyles
  • Kai, a member of Cambridge United’s autism football project, and his mother Becca who have been awarded the Club’s Inspirational Family Award
  • Derby County’s Alan Higgins, who has supported community sport at Oakwood for a number of years, including providing transport and subsidising fees for local children to play football
  • Yakub Mohammed, who has been a part of Swindon Town FC’s Refugee football squad since its launch in 2022
  • Rotherham’s community heroes who will be hosted in the Club’s Corporate Hospitality Lounge as a thank you for their continued efforts to the local community, including Jon Carnforth who was recently recognised in the King’s Honours list with an MBE for his services during the pandemic

 

Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “Community remains a fundamental part of the EFL and its 72 Clubs’ identity, so we are delighted to launch the latest strand of activity in this area – the EFL Community Weekends. The work undertaken by Clubs has a hugely positive impact on the participants of the various programmes and the towns and cities where people live.

“Football continues to reach parts of local areas that others simply cannot and successfully addresses challenges linked to health, wellbeing, education and employment alongside helping to keep communities connected. We look forward to celebrating this incredible work in front of match-going fans over the coming two weekends across our network.”

 

Liam Scully, Chair of the EFL Trust, said: “Our Clubs and Club Community Organisations engage more than 840,000 people from EFL communities all year round. To be able to showcase the Club community work as a collective and acknowledge the work of participants and programme leaders, many of whom are volunteers, further highlights the unique ability of our network.”

The EFL Community Weekends build on the success of the recent EFL Week of Action in November – where the League and its Clubs shone a light on the significant impact Club community work has on towns and cities in England and Wales, valued at over £865m a season in the latest community impact report.

During the 2021/22 season, EFL Clubs deployed a workforce of almost 10,000 (of which over 4,000 are volunteers) to support community activities, delivering in-kind support of over £40m and more than 120,000 hours of free or subsidised usage of community facilities to benefit the lives of those living in the local community.

For more information on the EFL Community Weekends and the impact of EFL Club community work please visit www.efl.com