EFL and EFL Trust sign Armed Forces Covenant
Ahead of Armed Forces Day (Saturday 24 June), the EFL and EFL Trust earlier this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support the armed forces community and their families.
In signing the covenant, which took place at EFL House, the EFL and EFL Trust seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring and pledging ongoing support to them within the organisation and community.
Cathy Abraham, CEO of the EFL Trust, said: “Members of the Armed Forces make a significant contribution to our country and we understand the issues that veterans and their family members face.
“We are proud to make a commit to share opportunities with the Armed Forces family, using football to bring people together for the greater good, and in an environment where they are treated fairly and equally and with an opportunity to thrive.”
In attendance at the signing were members of the military and of the EFL network of Club Community organisations who are already supporting the covenant in their communities. . Signing on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Community was Colonel Darren Doherty.
Photo by Phil Oldham/Shutterstock
A general view during the event
EFL Armed Forces Covenant Signing, Football, EFL House, Preston, UK – 20 Jun 2023
Colonel Darren Doherty, said: “People who serve in or have served in the armed forces and their families have to give up quite a lot. The covenant looks to make sure they are not disadvantaged as a result of that service. Particularly those who suffered from mental illness or life changing injuries… we’re just looking to make sure that we’re not disadvantaged in terms of the practical aspects such as housing, employment, education.
“Football is the soldier’s game and is so connected with community. This is it’s so important to have support from organisations like the EFL and EFL Trust.”
Also invited to the event was Mark Ward from Stockport County Community Trust, who served as a solider and was awarded the Military Cross in 2010.
Mark said: “I served 10 years in the infantry with my local regiment. Throughout this time, football was a big part of army life – the connection between football and the armed forces has been going for a long time.
“Upon leaving the army I found it really difficult to settle back into civilian life but thanks to football, it helped me get to where I am today. I gained my coaching badges and got a full-time role with Stockport County Community Trust.
“We’re now looking at piloting our own programmes for the Armed Forces in the local area, where I can use my personal experience to help others from a similar background to me.”
Many Clubs across the League provide a range of support programmes for veterans of all ages, helping them with mental health challenges and education and employment opportunities.
Speaking at the signing, Ashley Hackett, CEO of Blackpool Community Trust, said:
“When we talk about armed forces veterans, typically we think of people aged 60 – 70 years of age but it is absolutely not just that age group. The people we are engaging with at Blackpool Community Trust are in their 20s and early thirties.
“While our provision primarily focuses on football activities, we also deliver support for things like housing benefits and mental and social health for each veteran and their family members.”
