Football Clubs and their Community Organisations quick to respond to Community needs during new restrictions
As we are all adapting to the new restrictions and our ever changing world, Clubs and their Club Community Organisations (CCOs) are there, once again, proving that they can, and will, make a significant difference in their communities. They are back to using Zoom, Teams and other digital platforms to keep people in their communities engaged, educated and most importantly connected.
Within hours of the new restrictions coming into place last week, Preston North End Community Trust immediately began supporting isolated people by delivering postal packs containing exercise sheets, support services and community offers.
At Luton Town Football Club, delivering books has been a major part of a key initiative tackle loneliness in EFL Communities. The Club’s Community Organisation have commented: “It’s been a pleasure meeting members of the community who are unable to leave the home at the moment and provide them with library books and a quick chat!”
Keeping people of all ages connected at this difficult time will be at the forefront of many of the Football Club’s charities during the new lockdown period. Tigers Trust, Hull City’s Community Organisation, are running ‘Tigers Team Mates,’ where staff will be on hand to help with calls, wellbeing walks, food shopping & garden gate conversations. Bolton Wanderers Football Club’s CCO are also offering 1 to 1 walks for older members of our community, with all walks adhering to the current government guidance.
Based on findings after the first lockdown, our Clubs want to encourage people to exercise as much as possible. To encourage families to get moving, Oldham Athletic set a challenge this weekend – to find mascot ‘Chaddy the Owl’ around three local parks and be in with the chance of winning a signed Oldham Athletic shirt for getting involved!
And for those people dedicated to improving their lifestyle during 2020, over the last few days, many exercise course that are run face to face in stadia, like Doncaster Rover’s Fit Fans, have gone back online and have featured special guests like Doncaster’s stand in weekend manager, Andy Butler!
Many CCOs were commended for their work during the first UK wide lockdown and are ready to be there for their communities again. One club that was very quick to respond in March and has already repeated this is Stevenage. Their COVID support line is back up and running as of yesterday and allows anyone in the community with a concern to get in touch….whether they need prescription collections, help getting food, or they just want someone to talk to….the Club will be there for them.
To find out more about our impact in communities visit https://www.efltrust.com/ourimpact/
