The heads of community at two Football League clubs both say they have “never been prouder” of their respective clubs’ work in the local community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Matt Hancock, Head of Community at Burton Albion Community Trust, and Sam Gomarsall, Manager of Cambridge United Community Trust, were speaking as their annual impact reports were released this month, one year on from the start of the pandemic.
“I am always proud of being involved in Burton Albion Community Trust but from March 2020 onwards I have never been prouder of our achievements,” said Matt.
CARING
Sam commented: “The journey has certainly not been an easy one over this period, but I have also never been prouder of the caring and collaborative staff we have at the Trust as they adapted to the ever-changing circumstances to continue to make a positive difference on our city.”
The reports act as testimony to the remarkable work of the Trusts in such difficult circumstances.
The Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) report shows how during the 2019/20 season, its programmes reached 6,781 participants including 4,603 schoolchildren. During the same period BACT’s direct economic impact was measured at £2.6million, £842,000 of which was through employment.
Read 'Burton Albion Community Trust - Social & Community Impact Report'.
In addition, the club supported the NHS with its Pirelli Stadium acting as a vaccination centre. BACT has made up more than 1,000 volunteer hours, delivered 4,147 care and activity packs, 752 emergency food parcels - and even 23 weekly dog walks!
Matt commented: “The pandemic has caused much distress, upset and pain for so many people across our communities but the way both BACT and Burton Albion FC responded from day one has made a huge difference to lives across East Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.”
John Jackson, BACT’S Chair, added: “It is with great pride we are able to evidence through this report that, despite the devastating impact of Covid-19, we are making a difference in our communities. This report is external evidence that our programmes do change lives and, although many programmes were adapted to respond to the rapidly changing circumstances, we have maintained a focus of high quality throughout.”
FAMILIES
In its first impact report, Cambridge United Community Trust (CUCT) describes how it opened up a Community Careline for over 70s to ask for help with their everyday needs - from picking up prescriptions or shopping as well as having a friendly chat. Utilising club staff, first-team players and the board of directors, 1200 calls were made to senior citizens in the first three months.
CUCT also partnered with Cambridge Food Poverty Alliance to cook and deliver over 1700 meals for those families at risk of food poverty, delivering over 300 education activity packs at the same time to families attempting home education.
Sam said: “During the past year, everyone has been affected by the pandemic in some way but the response of everyone involved within this football club has been humbling to see.
Read 'United for Cambridge - Impact Report'.
“It is evident that the work we were able to achieve in both national lockdowns, and throughout this whole period, simply would not have been possible without the partnership of Cambridge United Football Club and its incredible fanbase. The level of support from club staff members, board members, players, supporters and volunteers has been phenomenal.”
He added: “I hope that as people read this report, and in particular the stories from our participants, they can see the profound ability sport has to change lives and create meaningful impact in our communities. As we look to navigate a route out of the pandemic, divisions which already exist in Cambridge have the potential to be exacerbated. Yet we will strive to help Cambridge build back better as a healthier, stronger and more equal city and we will continue to be there for those who need us most.”
CUCT will be hosting an event called ‘United For Cambridge: An Impact Evening’ on March 31st (1800) via the club’s Facebook event page. It will feature first-team staff and players, and beneficiaries from CUCT programmes.
Visit the Burton Albion Community Trust and Cambridge United Community Trust pages on the ConnectSport directory. To add your organisation for free, contact hello@connectsport.co.uk.
Read about other recently-released football club community impact reports.
