Sutton United Supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

To mark the start of an exciting new relationship between Sutton United and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, four Sutton United first team players, captain Craig Eastmond, Sam Hart, Louis John and Rob Milsom, visited The Royal Marsden’s Oak Centre for Children and Young People in Sutton earlier this month.

The players were also joined by Rob Milsom’s younger brother Nick, who was treated for Leukaemia at the hospital in 1995 when he was only three years old.

Rob commented: “It means so much to me and my family the work that they do here at The Royal Marsden, especially thinking about my brother Nick who was affected at such a young age and owes so much to the fantastic staff here.”

The players met with more than twenty children and young adults, speaking with them one-to-one and gifting them signed Sutton United shirts.

Club captain Craig commented: “Visits like this are special to us players as well. We look forward to coming back to visit again very soon.”

Louis, Rob and Sam also took part in some fun football games with the children, and the positive impact of the visit for patients was clear to see.

Louis said: “You could see how much it meant to these young kids to have us there visiting from the big smiles on their faces.”

Sam added: “It really brightened up their day. For us players, it feels great to be able to give something back to these kids who have had such a difficult start to life. Everyone was really impressed with Louis’ keepy-uppy and ball balancing skills! He did get nutmegged on the goal line a couple of times!”

As part of the relationship between The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Sutton United, the club will be offering young patients the chance to be included in the excitement of match day as they walk out with the team as honorary Mascots.

Amy Mullins, Head of Community Fundraising at The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sutton United and are really grateful to those at the club who have made this memorable experience possible for these young patients. The club’s support will also help to ensure The Royal Marsden continues to provide the very best treatment and care and develop new treatments that help cancer patients around the world.”

The club will also be launching a special, aubergine-coloured shirt, with £3 from the sale of each shirt to be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to support its vital work. This will give Sutton fans and the wider local community the opportunity to support this brilliant cause and help to raise awareness of all the wonderful work they do.

This new special edition kit will be worn for Sutton’s home game on 23rd March 2024 versus Accrington Stanley in partnership with O’Neill’s, and could replace the green away kit for the forthcoming 2024/25 season.

A simple love for football: Tawana and Tayana’s journey to the England Talent Pathway

Tawana and Tayana first fell in love with football aged just 4 after their older brother introduced them to the game. A scenario that many girls with brothers, whether they want to or not have found themselves in from being the goalkeeper to simply being someone they can pass the ball too. However, for both girls their desire to be involved in the game didn’t need to be forced as they soon started mixing it with the boys on the playground at Primary School, they proved themselves to be worthy on any team as they up representing the school and won a cup competition in a mixed futsal team with very little female representation. Once again, a situation numerous girls across the country will be familiar with but this didn’t dishearten Tawana or Tayana.

In fact, it did much the opposite and enlighten a hunger from them to want to join a team. After a chance meeting with Handsworth Girls who were fundraising in their local supermarket, the girls were invited along to training before progressing in to the U9 team where they were huge successful as they progressed through the age groups.

Similarly, to their Primary school days, the girls excelled in their Secondary school team which is where their talent was spotted by Millie Kenyon from Sheffield Wednesday who nominated the girls to attend a England Talent Pathway event in Leeds. The girls attended the event along with Poppy who made up their trio as they competed in a 3×3 tournament which allowed for the event to be fun and for the girls to really show their creativeness. Despite the nerves, Tawana and Tayana were successful in catching the eye of the FA and their progress is now being monitored as part of the FA Women’s England Talent Pathway opens up the possibility to considered for England Youth Teams.

Millie Kenyon  said: “The Talent Inclusion programme has been a great way for us as a community programme to give girls an opportunity to showcase their football, the chance to access this opportunity that wouldn’t be there for them.  Through our referrals this gives local girls who play for grassroots clubs to access the women’s talent pathway.  The girls I referred Tawana and Tayana both twins who have lots of potential and are very talented young players. Both girls attended our EFL Girls Cup last year, out of over 100 girls that attended this school’s competition both of the girls ability stood out.  Through our partnership with the Talent Inclusion programme I knew the characteristics of a player they look for and could see that both girls had shown these characteristics.”

The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, female participants with potential can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway. The programme is specifically run by EFL Club Community Organisations, who engage with young girls from low social economic communities and underrepresented groups, and looks to refer talented players who may not access traditional talent pathways due to social class, ethnicity and demographic.

Not only were both girls’ avid footballers but they also played basketball for Sheffield Hatters as their parents exposed the girls to lots of different sports as they believed that sport is positive, constructive and enables character-building. Eventually, the girls had to decide whether they would pursue either basketball or football, the two sports they flourished in; both chose football.

As they had made that pivotal decision, they would almost immediately reap the rewards of this as they were offered a trial at women football giants Manchester City. With only one of the girls being offered a place in their academy, the offer was turned down and twins stuck together on their footballing journey.

Currently they are continuing to play for Handsworth, but have also recently had successful trials for Sheffield Schools and Barnsley Emerging Talent Centre which will no doubt ensure the girls continue their upwards trajectory in becoming a future Lioness.

A story that simply started with a love and passion for the game has allowed the girls freedom to enjoy the game and to nurture their talents.

Accelerating the progress of Women and Girls in Football

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we look at how the network of EFL Club Community Organisations aim to give women in football and sport equal opportunities to succeed, and accelerate their progress in their chosen pathway.

With recognition that women were under-represented across the Football and Sport’s Coaching degree courses that are run at over 40 Clubs in partnership with the University of South Wales, the Female Development programme was established in the academic year of 2021-22 to ensure all women on the course were offered a tailored programme of opportunities to expand their knowledge and confidence with other women from other Clubs.

By ensuring an inclusive environment, with opportunities to network and hear from like-minded professionals in the sport, the programme ensures that the students on the degree course are provided with the opportunity to upskill and build confidence.

Throughout the year they have access to a variety of events that feature female professionals from a variety of roles within sport. This helps give students the confidence to seek out all the opportunities that are available to them.

Speakers to date have included senior members of the EFL Trust, who have shared their experiences of working in sport, from working off the field, to being front and centre on it. They have also heard from Daisy Croker who referees on the FA Women’s National League and the U21s Professional Game Academy League and has been involved in refereeing for the last 7 years, working her way through the ranks.

With coaching being a huge element of the degree courses, Jayne Jackson, EFL Trust’s Wildcats Project Manager provided the girls with best practices and advice on getting involved with their local Club Community Organisations and the Wildcats programme. As a result of this, some of the students have begun volunteering at their local Wildcats sessions.

From Grassroots football to the professional game, Charlotte Healy, Manchester United Women’s Assistant Coach will be a guest speaker next month as she discusses her journey and progression her from role as a community coach at Derby County Community Trust to the pinnacle of English football in the Women’s Super League.

With the opportunity to grow, develop and establish themselves in the industry, it is no wonder the Female Development programme has become a pivotal part in the increasing number of female students on the USW degree courses. With just 12 students in its first year, last year 36 students were engaged in the programme.

Whilst the University of South Wales degree programme creates opportunity for women to coach the game, our CCOs also offer a pathway for Girls to play the game. This is from the very first kick of a ball with Wildcats to the Talent Inclusion programme which helps girls who dream of representing England one day.

The Wildcats programme, in run partnership with the FA, is aimed at young girls aged 5-11 promotes a non-competitive, fun environment for all from those wanting to try football for the first time to girls who just want to play the game with girls the same age as them. This not only promotes fundamental skills required on the pitch but also develops life skills off it from effective communication to the ability to problem solve as part of a wider team.

Whilst only a small number of girls will go on to receive full senior caps at International level, our Talent Inclusion programme, also run in partnership with the FA, ensures every girl has equal chance to do so, regardless of their background.

The Talent Inclusion programme ensures that through existing community activities, participants with potential can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway. The EFL Trust’s CCOs work in some of the most deprived communities in England, where individuals and families experience challenges when trying to participate in sport and other activities. Women’s football has become a significant part of CCO delivery and engagement has hit an all-time high, given this, there is a considerable opportunity for potential to be identified and developed in the right environment. In particular, research from The FA has indicated that girls from low-socio-economic urban areas are not progressing into the talent system which is a lost opportunity for both young girls and the England team.

The Talent Inclusion programme is specifically run by over 60 EFL Club Community Organisations, who engage with young girls from low social economic communities and underrepresented groups, and look to refer talented players who, for whatever reason, may not be able to access traditional talent pathways.

It is paramount to the future of England women’s football that the pathway is a system for all. The EFL Trust and The FA are committed to working collaboratively to be creative and inventive to achieve this goal together.

Charlotte Hill leaves the EFL Trust Board after nine successful years

The EFL Trust Board today extend sincere thanks to Charlotte Hill, OBE, as her time as an EFL Trust Board member comes to an end. Charlotte leaves the Board as she has reached the maximum possible 9 years of serving as an Independent Trustee. 

Charlotte first became known to the EFL Trust when she was CEO of UK Youth, a network organisation representing the youth sector in the UK. UK Youth and the EFL Trust had many shared plans and ambitions, and Charlotte was very well respected across the sector, having received the Rising CEO Star award from the Charity Times in 2012.

At that time, the EFL Trust Board lacked diversity in knowledge and expertise in wider charity areas, such as youth engagement. By 2014 Charlotte had moved on to head up Step up to Serve, a volunteering campaign back by the then Prince Charles and all the major political parties.  The EFL Trust were delighted that at this point, Charlotte also agreed to join the Board and bring her wealth of sector expertise and knowledge to the organisation.

Now CEO of the fantastic Felix Project in London, the advice and guidance Charlotte has provided to the EFL Trust over the last nine years has been invaluable. As well as her industry knowledge, Charlotte enthusiastically drove a governance review process and took on the role of Senior Independent Trustee. The EFL Trust subsequently achieved the highest level of compliance with the Sport England Code of Governance which has in turn led to a myriad of opportunities to expand the work and success of the charity and its network of club community organisations.

As Charlotte departs from the Board, the role of Senior Independent will pass to Uma Cresswell, who joined the Board in November 2021, and has become a committed and integral member of the team. The work of charity Trustees often goes unnoticed, but the impact that Charlotte has had during her long association with the EFL Trust is extraordinary. Charlotte’s knowledge, enthusiasm, positivity, and commitment has been a huge factor in the success of the EFL Trust and we all wish her the very best in her future career and similar success to incoming Board members.

 

Proud to deliver Joy of moving programme in milestone year

The EFL Trust is proud to celebrate 10 years of delivery across England and Wales of the Ferrero social responsibility programme, Joy of moving, with its network of Club Community Organisations (CCOs).

As the impactful programme enters its milestone 10th year, Joy of moving has inspired over 550,000 children to get moving through play and delivered over 2.5 million hours of learning in hundreds of schools.

With more than 70,000 children set to benefit from the programme this academic year via 27 CCOs, Joy of moving is based on a unique methodology, developed by Ferrero alongside independent experts.

Joy of moving encourages children to get active using play as the foundation, whilst helping them to develop key skills, such as motor coordination, creativity, and social skills.

In the UK, the unbranded Joy of moving programme consists of two elements: the Move & Learn project and the Joy of moving Festivals, delivered in schools.

Charlie Cayton, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Ferrero UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to be celebrating ten years of our Joy of moving social responsibility programme.

“The programme, delivered by our amazing partner and their fantastic Club Community Organisations, inspires children to get moving while playing and having fun.

“We know that this approach is key to get children engaged and I’m delighted to be able to say that together we have been able to reach over half a million children since our initiative began.

“Joy of moving has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and we’re excited for the programme to continue its success as we look ahead to the future.”

Adrian Bradley, Head of Healthier Communities at the EFL Trust added: “More than half (53 per cent) of children do not meet the Chief Medical Officer guidelines of taking part in sport and physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day, according to Sport England findings*.

“Our Club Community Organisations (CCOs) are at the heart of their communities and have been integral in the development and delivery of the Joy of moving programme designed to inspire active lifestyles in children, teaching children how to enjoy moving through play, and to help them develop positive habits for adulthood.”

To learn more about the Joy of moving programme visit www.efltrust.com/joyofmoving

‘Inspiring’ Blackpool FC School offers chance to children who ‘struggle with mainstream education’ 

Blackpool FC have showcased their onsite school which looks to offer children who experience challenges in mainstream education a chance to fulfil their potential and be known for their personalities and aspirations.

The school, which opened its doors in 2021, has proved to be a great success, with manager Neil Critchley and goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell heading down to the school last week to oversee one of the many football sessions the school hosts for the pupils.

ITV Football visited the school to find out more.

Speaking to ITV, Critchley said: “I’ve been really impressed and the January transfer window is still open, so some of these players might be coming in on Monday! I used to work in schools many years ago when I was a young coach starting out and you know the impact you can have on some of the younger people, the happiness it brings, their sense of belonging, social interaction, their inclusion.

“Coming down here today and being just a small part of it is quite amazing really, it’s quite inspiring to be honest with you.”

The school, which is open to children between the ages of 14 and 16, is the vision of Blackpool FC Community Trust and is found at Blackpool’s home ground Bloomfield Road, in a purpose-built facility in the North Stand area of the stadium.

Gemma Trickett, Headteacher of Blackpool FC School, told ITV: “The school’s open for students who struggle with mainstream [education]. That could be for a variety of different reasons, whether it’s special needs or it could be behavioural issues.

“Our vision and ethos at the school is to ensure that every child in Blackpool has an alternate provision where they can access a curriculum that’s suited to their needs.”

Blackpool FC School offers a unique experience which looks to inspire and engage each young person who walks through the doors of the building. The school aims to recognise each person individually and take a holistic approach to meet their needs and development.

The Tangerines are one of 72 Clubs across the EFL that use the power of football to engage young people who have not found the ideal place to grow. Figures from the latest ‘Measuring the Impact of EFL Clubs in the Community’ revealed 85% of the 309,648 participants engaged on education, training and employment programmes at EFL Clubs reported improved attainment at school.

Gemma continued: “I think it’s a great opportunity that the students have to be able to play alongside the first team, for the first team coach to come down and watch our students involved in football.

“They’re really excited.”

Ashley Hackett, CEO of Blackpool FC Community Trust, said: “The biggest success for me was last year we had our first cohort finish year 11 of 12 students. 11 of them have now gone onto positive destinations and by that we mean they’re in college or they’re in a job.

“This is an unbelievable achievement by the team.”

Green Football Weekend Kicks Off

EFL Clubs and the network of Club Community Organisations are once again supporting Green Football Weekend.

Running from 2-5 February, EFL Clubs and their community organisations are hosting a wide range of activities and initiatives to have a positive impact on our planet, including to encourage football supporters across the world to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, not only benefitting their own health, but also having a positive impact on the planet.

We’ve already seen lots of activity, including:

  • Northampton Town holding their Green Game last Saturday, with local community and environmental groups attending to share their work with fans.
  • Wycombe Wanderers launching their new BeOne Sustainability Strategy.
  • Leicester City in the Community joined volunteers in planting 90 trees at a local playing fields.
  • QPR sharing their sustainable travel pledge as part of their green game last Sunday.
  • Watford announcing a new sustainable travel partnership to help understand and address the impact of fans travelling to matches.
  • Bradford City players visiting vegetarian restaurant Prashad to learn more about plant-based cooking ahead of the Community Foundation’s launch of new veggie and vegan options in their community hub.
  • West Bromwich Albion introducing their Baggies Pastures Green to fans and shared some of the work they’ve done since forming in 2022.
  • In the lead up to their game against Southampton, Rotherham United launching their Swap Shop, offering fans the chance to trade in their surplus Rotherham United kit and swap it for something new.
  • Blackburn Rovers Community Trust linking up with their Club partner, BGreenn, to provide guidance energy saving guidance to two groups of young people who regularly attend the charity’s Neighbourhood Youth Offer programme, and promoting the benefits of smart meters as part of their Smart Energy GB community work to Remember the Rovers participants.

Damon Fox, Sustainability Lead at the Northampton Town FC Community Trust, said: “People in our community are very interested in doing what they can to help the environment and prevent climate change.

“I urge everyone to get involved because engaging with Green Football Weekend is a lot of fun for you and your family, and you’re helping a great cause.”

Keep an eye out on activity by following the #GreenFootballWeekend hashtag over the weekend.

Supporters can log their actions on the Green Football Weekend website in order to score green goals helping their team climb up the leaderboard as fans support the campaign.  

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

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”.

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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.

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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

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.

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EFL CLUBS SHINE LIGHT ON LOCAL COMMUNITY HEROES

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