Edith Thomas: “I was really glad when I had that phone call from Wigan Athletic Community Trust, it was a real lifeline for me.”

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For many people in the local community, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant they have become even more isolated.

But thanks to funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and EFL Trust in June, Wigan Athletic Community Trust have been able to provide much needed support for those at risk of isolation through the Tackling Loneliness Together project.

One person who has benefitted is 86-year old Edith Thomas whose experience of lockdown has proved a difficult time with no close family living nearby and restrictions preventing her from going out and enjoying her usual day to day life.

But, after being contacted by the Community Trust in October, she now enjoys regular communication with staff through garden gate visits and online coffee mornings.

She said:

‘Lockdown has been awful because I’ve always been used to going out and now I can’t go out at all. I’ve got nobody to go out with and I don’t even go out for a walk to the top of the street. I’ve stopped all my activities and I don’t go shopping anymore. I did sit at the front of the house in the summer which I obviously can’t do at the moment. I just got fed up of it. When the hour goes back in October I’m always down because I know its going to be dark. “It’s so dull outside and having no family close by I don’t see anybody at all.”

So far Latics have made over 1000 phone calls and hundreds of garden gate visits through the programme to keep those at risk of loneliness connected to their communities, and for Edith a phone call provided her with a much-needed lifeline, she explains,

“I just couldn’t cope with it so I rang the doctor and they contacted me on the Monday and then by the Tuesday I had a call from the Community Trust. I was really glad when I had that phone call, it was a real lifeline for me” .

Now Edith is a regular attendee to the Trust’s weekly virtual coffee mornings and something she looks forward to. she adds

“I like joining the Zoom sessions, it’s made a big difference as when I wake up on a Tuesday, instead of thinking I’ve got nothing to do I know I can do my jobs and join the Zoom session at 11am.It makes the day go quicker as every day seems a long time when you live on your own.”

During the festive time, the Trust are delivering Christmas support packages to people at risk of isolation as part of the Tackling Loneliness Together programme and are calling on a contribution of £5 from Latics supporters to significantly help the cause and ensure more deliveries to people over the festive period.

Donations from supporters will assist the Trust in providing a number of items within bags including Christmas puddings, crafts and other festive gifts. To make a donation to the appeal, you can do so by heading to Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Just Giving page here.

 

Rams Captain Gives Ray a Surprise IT Lesson

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Ray was very isolated in the first pandemic as despite having a large family, many of them live abroad and he does not have any local family members. With no access to technology he was not able to access Derby County’s virtual timetable, but staff from the community trust kept in touch with phone calls.

However, Derby County Community Trust rolled out of an IT loan scheme were able to provide Ray with a tablet, meaning he can take part in session, watch his beloved Rams play on RamsTV and keep in touch with his family. He is going to ‘bubble’ up with some family in Lincolnshire over Christmas and plans to take the tablet with him to watch games over the festive period.

To introduce Ray to his new device and as a pick me up for a lifelong Derby supporter, first team captain Curtis Davies to give him a call under the guise of providing some IT support

Watch Here

https://youtu.be/l637LeTZ0kU

I had never heard of Zoom and wouldn’t have known where to start

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Bolton Wanderers Community Trust have been helping hundreds of older members of the Bolton community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, including loaning and training people how to use new technology. 

As part of the Tackling Loneliness Together programme, Community Trust staff have made 1000’s of welfare phone calls to older fans, dropped off packs containing puzzle books, activity books and baking ingredients through garden gate visits, send letters to fans, held weekly get togethers on Zoom, provided free tablet loans and most recently offered 1-1 walks during this newest lockdown period.

One individual that has benefitted from the support offered has been Joyce, who before lockdown was a regular attendee at a number of groups at the stadium including the Trust’s Extra Time Hub and attended Bolton Wanderers matches as part of her routine.

As part of the programme Joyce has been loaned a tablet, attended weekly Zoom get togethers and has recently undertaken 1-1 walks with Trust members of staff. BWCT’s Active Ageing Development Officer Carl Halliwell said,

“Joyce was a little reluctant at first when it came to technology and she took some persuading that she would be able to use the tablet and access Zoom sessions without problem. Joyce now attends three zoom sessions a week with us and is extremely comfortable with the device, she has found many uses including watching her beloved Bolton Wanderers via ifollow. It was a hurdle she overcame herself and this has given her lots to do during lockdown and reduced times of boredom”

Speaking to Joyce about the work that the Community Trust has been doing, she said,

“Just want to say thanks for loaning me a tablet. Not having access to computer, I had never heard of Zoom and wouldn’t have known where to start being in touch with other people via this. Boredom is a large part of recent times and now I can actually see other people. Also it has enabled me to watch Bolton games which I have been missing badly!! BWCT has also been great in providing 1-1 walks which get us out into the fresh air and give us exercise. Thanks again and can’t wait till Fitter Fans and Extra Time Hub are back in operation.”

EFL Football Clubs have been bringing people together and connecting older people at risk of loneliness

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This year has been unprecedented, but I’m very proud of our network’s phenomenal response. The EFL Trust supports and resources the 72 charities associated with football clubs in the EFL. We exist to create stronger, healthier, more active communities. 

Since lockdown began in March, our network has delivered over 689,000 food parcels, sandwiches and hot meals to vulnerable community members. There have been over 240,000 outgoing and incoming conversations with fans and EFL community members needing support during the pandemic. Over 30,000 PPE items and over 6,000 prescriptions have been delivered.

Our Club Community Organisation (CCOs) were not specifically set up to do this work, but they adapted quickly to the needs of their communities helped by our funders, including a grant of £810,000 from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which allowed us to expand our work tackling loneliness among older people.

The statistics above, impressive though they are, tell only part of the story. Behind every statistic is a person.  

People like Edith from Wigan, who says:

“Lockdown has been awful because I’ve always been used to going out and now I can’t go out at all. I’ve got nobody to go out with and I don’t even go for a walk to the top of the street. I’ve stopped all my activities and I don’t go shopping anymore. I did sit at the front of the house in the summer which I obviously can’t do at the moment. I just got fed up of it. I just couldn’t cope with it so I rang the doctor…”

Edith explains what happened next:

“…The doctor contacted me on the Monday and then by the Tuesday I had a call from the Wigan Athletic Community Trust. I was really glad when I had that phone call – it was a real lifeline for me. I like joining their Zoom sessions, it’s made a big difference as when I wake up on a Tuesday…instead of thinking I’ve got nothing to do I know I can do my jobs and join the Zoom session at 11am.  It makes the day go quicker as every day seems a long time when you live on your own.”

On the other side of the country, Elaine from has also had help from her local football club.

“It made me feel quite emotional that someone who didn’t know me cared enough to get in touch during such a strange and difficult time. After our conversation I then received their activity booklets, including my favourite Sudoku, and there were invitations to join in walks, meetings and learn new skills.”

Like Edith, Elaine has found the regular Zoom calls with Lincoln City a vital lifeline. However if people did not have access to technology it further amplifies their isolation. So some of our CCOs have loaned people tablets and lap tops. Access to technology is only part of the issue – learning to use the myriad of meeting software is daunting enough for the IT savvy – so our CCOs have provided guidance on how to use them. Joyce from Bolton was one lady who was loaned a lap top. She told us:

“I had never heard of Zoom and wouldn’t have known where to start being in touch with other people on this. Boredom is a large part of recent times and now I can actually see other people. Also it has enabled me to watch Bolton games which I have been missing badly!!”

Another recipient of a tablet was Ray, a long term Derby County fan. Ray got a big a surprise when his IT support call turned out to be from none other than the Ram’s captain Curtis Davies. You can watch the call here https://youtu.be/l637LeTZ0kU

Click here for more details and a list of all the clubs involved in these amazing projects.

Forest Green Provide Christmas Cheer

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FGR Community teamed up with 10 local care homes and sheltered housing schemes to spread a little kindness and joy over the last few months. Residents at Winslow House and the Steppes, Nailsworth, were in for an afternoon vegan treat in October, a welcome letter, and a copy of the Green Devil Newsletter produced by FGR’s young Ambassadors.

During November, the Ambassadors took part in “Challenge Cheer Someone Up” where they were tasked with being creative writing letters, making crafts, or drawing pictures which were gifted to the residents, FGR supporters and others in the local community. Bernard a recipient said, “It really made my week!”

Danielle Winslow House Administrator wrote:

“We would like to thank yourself, all of the Forest Green Rovers staff and Ambassadors for your beautiful letters to all of our residents. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed them and were all so grateful. We appreciate everything you are doing to help us during this difficult time. I would also like to share our positive news that we are now Covid free and so are really looking forward to working with you some more in the near future. Please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Sarah Urquhart, Head of FGR Community reported:

“Beautiful handmade Christmas cards are being made for our first team players and are also being sent out to our participants of the Tackling Loneliness Together project. We have found that many people of all ages are feeling really lonely and isolated and so FGR Community and FGR Academy are together supplying gifts, shirts, food, newsletters and cards to boost hampers. We’ve been working alongside the local Food Bank, The Long Table’s Freezers of Love, Community Roots, Nailsworth Youth Club, KidsStuff, Play Gloucestershire and HomeStart to spread some Christmas joy. Thank you’ s extends to our community partners Candriam Kids Fund, First Choice Utilities, Quorn, Faith in Nature and Morrisons.

Huddersfield Town Foundation’s University of South Wales student is a Proud Terrier

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 “I really want to help in the fight to eradicate homophobia from football,” says Ryan Mather, a first year student on the University of South Wales and EFL Trust Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development with Huddersfield Town Foundation.”

Ryan is a life-long Huddersfield Town fan and very ‘Proud Terrier’. Here is Ryan’s story…in his own words…

“I am a big Huddersfield Town fan and I have been all my life. I am an openly gay football fan and I’ve witnessed homophobia and really wanted to establish a movement to inspire a new generation of fans and create culture in which homophobia doesn’t exist.

A few years back at a Huddersfield Town vs Brighton game, which was our Rainbow Laces fixture, there was homophobic chanting from the Town end to the Brighton fans. This was the most uncomfortable I have ever felt at a game and this incident left me feeling upset, angry and so disappointed. Being made to feel like this has led to me having several panic attacks and has impacted by mental health. If I I’m feeling this, then others within our community will feel the same.

I made it my mission ultimately to create a culture of inclusion in football and develop more of an accepting atmosphere throughout the ground and community as a whole. My starting point was to create a real identity for the group and came up with ‘Proud Terriers’. I started with a logo and then created a Twitter page for the group. At the time I already knew someone at the Football Club and so I reached out to him to tell him about my ideas and to see how he could support us.

Huddersfield Town Football Club was really quick to support our mission. I will always appreciate the club support because knowing the club I have supported all of my life is now supporting me is truly surreal and a dream come true. I know how much work went in to get my ‘Proud Terriers’ flag up in to the stadium…they never gave up and always kept trying and I was so emotional and proud when it finally went up.

I took inspiration from other LGBT+ fan groups at the very beginning and as time went on I started to feel that real true support from the different groups up and down the country. Knowing we are always there for each other when we are all fighting to change football for people for the better really means a lot and we can really develop ideas together to implement in to our own clubs.

I was also keen to develop partnerships with our local schools and colleges so I reached out to Huddersfield New College’s manager of equality and diversity, who welcomed us and we started to develop a partnership including us being invited to their equality and diversity weeks and giving out some rainbow laces to the sports team. We have other great support networks too including the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Kick it Out, Stonewall and Football v Homophobia.

The work we do is so important right now because there is a big issue within our game surrounding homophobia and things have to change. I want to keep raising awareness and educating more and more people to think twice about their actions on the terraces. I want to create a safe space for fellow fans and to make them feel welcome even though the environment around us isn’t always making us feel welcome right now. I wanted to make a big difference because being so passionate about it…it means a lot to me.

You can find out more by following Proud Terriers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ProudTerriers or email Ryan and the team at [email protected].

Aspiring football coaches given dream job thanks to volunteering programme

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Today is ‘International Volunteers Day’ and this is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate some of the amazing volunteering work that takes place in our network.

Stoke City Community Trust (SCCT) run their own volunteering programme that gives aspiring football coaches a pathway into their dream job. Volunteering is a win-win situation for all involved and the programme at SCCT is a great example of this.

Sam Cartwright, 23, a graduate of SCCT’S Premier League Kicks programme, has always had aspirations of becoming a coach and his dream came true in 2018 when SCCT offered him a place on their volunteering programme which enabled him to complete his Level 2 FA football coaching qualifications.

Sam says:

“Volunteering gave me a great amount of experience, to observe different coaches and use their wealth of coaching knowledge to further my professional development. It was also thoroughly rewarding being a part of a sport and a football club which I love and seeing all the good which the Community Trust does within the City.”

Sam continued to sing the praises of the coaches and volunteers programme at SCCT:

“For a place to begin my coaching journey, I couldn’t have picked a better one. I was thrown in at the deep end in terms of coaching, which did me the world of good and has helped me learn and develop so much as a coach and an individual. The amount of opportunities I’ve been presented with have been outstanding. There’s a great support network of staff at the Community Trust, from managers, to supervisors for the educational programmes, to fellow staff members, who will always lend an ear or help you when needed and support you as you grow as a coach. All this whilst working at a club I’ve supported since the age of 6 to make it that extra bit special. I owe so much to Stoke City Community Trust.”

Another success story from SCCT’s volunteering programme is Alex Gratty. As a big Stoke City fan he jumped at this opportunity and was delighted when his application was accepted. Alex signed up to the programme as he wanted to make a difference in his local community recognising that this would improve his own mental health and confidence at the same time.

Speaking of the opportunity Alex said:

“I honestly believe that without taking that first step to volunteer at the Community Trust, I would not have been in the position in life I am now where I am happy.

By becoming a volunteer at the Trust it made me more confident and gave me the firepower I needed to believe in myself and try new things. I also believe it enabled me to mature as an individual.”

Alex sent out a clear message to anyone that is interested in volunteering:

“Take the chance!”

“I’ve been very grateful for the sessions because it has given me the opportunity to excel myself.”

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Matthew Hunter: “I’m very proud to wear the badge. You’re not just representing yourself but the club and the town as well.”

For Latics fan Matthew Hunter Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Every Player Counts programme has provided the 31-year old the opportunity to represent the club he has adored all his life.

The initiative – which is funded by the Wembley National Stadium Trust and backed by the EFL Trust – aims to get more people with disabilities involved in football.

Matthew, who has learning disabilities, has been involved with the Community Trust for over ten years through it’s disability football programmes, and has since enjoyed a number of opportunities including represented the club in competitive games against other North West clubs.

Latics have worked with over 60 adults in the past 12 months through the project and Matthew says he loves taking part in the sessions.

“I’ve been very grateful for the sessions because it has given me the opportunity to excel myself. I love taking part and playing in a competitive league where we can win things. “We have great camaraderie and, being around different lads, we can have a laugh. Everyone is supportive of each other whatever their skill level and I think that sums up the Wigan Athletic spirit as a whole.

“I have become a better footballer than I was right at the beginning and the sessions have helped me to learn and become a better player at the same time,” he added.

The Community Trust have also delivered over 200 hours of weekly coaching, with both an adult and junior team representing Latics in the Greater Manchester Ability Counts League, something Matthew takes huge pride in.

He said: “I’ve supported Latics since I was 13 and have seen them play in the Premier League and Europe and also win the FA Cup. I’m very proud to represent my club and wear the badge. You’re not just representing yourself but the club and the town as well. Whether it’s in a game or just in a training session I will go out there and give 100%.”

Following the postponement of sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust supported participants through regular communication and online challenges, which Matthew appreciated during a difficult time for him.

“It was tough during lockdown and one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with. I struggled with it mentally and I lost a close friend to COVID-19 in April too which was really tough,” Matthew explained. “But Joe [who coaches the Every Player Counts sessions] was there for me through having a chat and supporting me through that time. “When sessions returned, I was bouncing. I went back to work in June and that felt normal so when the Monday sessions restarted, I was pleased at work at the thought of going back after five months without it.

“It was a relief to get back and I can’t wait until we start back again. “As someone who supports and plays for Latics, it’s great that the Community Trust are there, not just for me but for the town. “They are a vital part of the community and without them people would really struggle. Even during the pandemic and since March, having them there is vital and has been a big help for the town.”

Following a second lockdown, the programme is set to restart on Monday 7th December with free sessions taking place between 6pm-7pm at Wigan Athletic Academy, Stadium Way.

 

He is the Brother We All Could Do With

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Two brothers Michael and Ryan are taking different paths with Blackpool FC Community Trust.

Michael is volunteer coach at Blackpool Community Trust Every Player Counts funded Pan Ability football sessions, and he’s in a unique position of coaching his brother, Ryan, who lives with autism.

Michael and Ryan’s mum struggled to find somewhere for Ryan to attend football sessions where his disability would be catered for. Blackpool’s Pan Ability football provided the answer.  As Ryan started to play football his brother Michael became a volunteer. Having his brother there was beneficial for Ryan, making him relaxed and fell more confident and reduced his anxiety.

Michael is currently in his second year at college doing Football Coaching and Performance. Being able to volunteer with the Trust helps towards building his experience of coaching disability football. Michael says

“I absolutely love being a coach, I enjoy learning and gaining experience every time I coach. I love helping people gain better skills and the best part about coaching is the smiles it can bring.” One of the big bonuses of coaching with Blackpool is that Michael gets to see his brother Ryan’s development. He said “It’s been amazing seeing my brother progress and seeing a smile on his face every time he plays.”

Ryan really values having his brother coach him, he says

“I enjoy my brother coaching me at the footy sessions as he helps me understan what to do”.

Proud Mum Joanne, says

“It is really great having the footy session for Ryan at Blackpool because he feels safe and supported and he loves football. It reduces his anxiety a lot. I enjoy watching Michael coach his brother. He is very patient and understanding towards Ryan. He has a calming influence over him and that makes him a good support for Ryan.”

Paul, Blackpool’s  disability engagement officer who leads Every Player Counts session on a Tuesday, said about Michael,

“Although Michael is not yet 20, he is the most mature young person I know for his age. And all the participants love having him there, especially his brother. To sum Michael up, I would say he is the brother we all could do with.”

Blackpool are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust.  Every Player Counts has, over the past four years, got over 11,000 disabled people into football. Blackpool are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental and learning impairments.

Football Makes My Child Full of Smiles

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“A big thank you to everyone involved, my child was full of smiles and actually enjoyed football” says the Mum whose child has been attending Newport County’s Every Player Counts Disability Football session.

Child H, aged 10 has ASD. His mum explained that he was unsure at the thought of playing football because he had previously tried to attend a mainstream football club but struggled in a large group and got confused with the activities. County in the Community working in partnership with local disability charity Sparkle have recently delivered a 12-week programme supporting the children and young people to further develop their skills as part of EFL Trust’s Every Player Counts Programme.

During the sessions, although child H was initially nervous, he soon settled in well and responded positively to the encouragement and praise from the coaches. He especially liked receiving a medal!

Daniel Williams from County in The Community comments, “Initially, it was clear to see that Child H was nervous in relation to engaging in the session, we spent a few weeks getting to know the child to ensure the child felt comfortable. After a couple of weeks, they took it upon themselves to join in the session and every week onwards developed confidence and encouragingly tried lots of new things which was great to see as a coach!”

County in the Community are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust.  Every Player Counts has, over the past four years, got over 11,000 disabled people into football. Barnsley are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental and learning impairments.