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Blackburn Rovers Community Trust helping dads open up about grief

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Everybody experiences grief, and while it might affect people in different ways, many can find it helps to share experiences with others.

That’s exactly what Alex, who has been attending a new bereavement programme launched by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, thinks.

Blackburn Rovers Dads FC promote football sessions that provide a supportive and stable environment for bereaved dads to socialise, engage in physical activity, and celebrate their children.

“It is important for us to all talk and there has not really been a group for men [until now],” Alex explained. “Typically, men don’t talk or speak up. No one really expects this is going to happen to them, it is a situation we don’t want to be in.”

The sessions take place every Friday night in the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre from 8 – 9 pm and recognise the emotional challenges faced by fathers who have experienced the loss of a child.

“Getting together as a group to share our similar experiences and troubles really helps with our headspace on our journey,” Alex continued.

“It can help you through the next week. We are all at different stages. I experienced loss earlier this year but from some, it has been ten or more years, and they have only just spoken to people about it.”

This week marks National Grief Awareness week with the chosen theme ‘Shine a Light’ highlighting people, places and projects across the UK like this.

Participants get to take part in sessions run by qualified coaches and representatives from Maggie’s Still Birth Legacy and Friends of Serenity – who helped set up the programme – are also in attendance to offer their guidance and support.

Joanne, from Friends of Serenity, said: “There is a lot of support available for women and children there is a very limited options available for dads.

“We have been talking for quite a while about the idea of a dad’s football team. It is really good for wellbeing and it is a way of talking without pressure whilst having fun.”

Fahima Iqbal, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, added: “Working together and using the power of football, we believe we can make a positive difference on many people’s lives and we want them to know, we are here to help!”

All ages and abilities are welcome and the session is free of charge.

EFL in the Community honoured with Silver Status via MoD Award 

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EFL in the Community has been honoured with a prestigious award for its support to the Armed Forces community. 

The EFL’s charitable arm has achieved the Ministry of Defence Silver Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme, thanks to its ongoing support and work with veterans and the wider armed forces community. 

In 2023, the EFL and EFL in the Community signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support, and recognise the value, of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families. 

The network of EFL Club Community Organisations carry out impactful work with the armed forces community throughout England and Wales. 

Debbie Cook, EFL’s Director of Community said: “We are proud to be recognised as an advocate of our Armed Forces community.  

“People who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families have to give up a great deal.  

“By using football to bring people together for the greater good, we will create and an environment where the armed forces community are treated fairly and equally, and make sure they are not disadvantaged because of their service.” 

EFL in the Community Head of Participation and Community Engagement, Dominik Stingas-Paczko was invited to the Trooping The Colour King’s Birthday Parade, thanks to the North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and defence Relationship Management. 

He was joined by Stuart Glover (Chief Executive Officer at Morecambe FC Community Sports who too have been awarded the Silver award) and Mark Ward (Miliary Cross recipient and Stockport County Community Trust’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer). Both organisations carry outstanding work with veterans and are also Armed Forces Covenant signatories. 

Fleetwood Town Community Trust’s amputee veteran completes incredible feat

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Fleetwood Town Community Trust’s Community Engagement Manager – and former army sergeant – has carried out an incredible fundraising challenge.

After hearing a local woman’s battle with terminal cancer, Rick Clement was inspired, and decided to task himself to complete the Great North Swim in aid of her and her family.

Serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan as a soldier for 14 years with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment before joining the EFL Club Community Organisation, Rick suffered life-changing injuries after encountering an improvised explosive device.

As a result, Rick lost both of his legs and suffered severe damage to an arm.

A regular fundraiser for several local causes and armed forces charities, the 44-year-old from Fleetwood was embraced by Sarah Jones at the finish line, after he completed the one mile race in 1 hour and 17 minutes.

“The first half was against the wind with the waves crashing into me as I took a breath, so I had to adapt my strokes to raise my head further above the water line,” said Rick about his challenge in Windermere.

But I kept setting my targets to the group of people in front of me and began to slowly hunt them down. As I hit the halfway marker it felt like I had made good time, and I knew the wind would be behind me on the way back.

“As I swam, I thought about Sarah and knew I couldn’t let her down by failing to finish. As I hit the finish line, I felt proud to have achieved my goal for Sarah and her family.”

Sarah said of Rick who oversees the management of a variety of projects all aimed at positively influencing the lives of local people:

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to an extraordinary guy whose strength and determination are truly inspiring.

“Rick’s commitment to raising funds despite facing his own challenges is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for compassion and resilience. His efforts have not only provided support in my battle against terminal cancer but have also raised awareness about the struggles faced by many in similar situations.

“His selflessness and dedication are a beacon of hope and have made a significant impact on my life, my family, and the lives of others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible generosity and for showing the world what true courage looks like.”

With an initial target of £500, Rick, from Fleetwood, managed to surpass this and raised over £1,700. The funds will allow Sarah and her family to create some valuable memories.

Saints Foundation Helps Jess Overcome Adversity

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“I don’t think any of us can understand the challenges Jess has faced but she’s still been able to come to school, achieve what she has and then be a key part of our projects in such a short space of time, she really is phenomenal.”

The words of Saints Foundations Community Champion James about Jess Vallis a remarkable young woman who has overcome adversity to achieve success with the Club Community Organisation.

Now aged 17, Jess started her journey with Saints Foundation in Year 9 at the age of 14. The young carer from Harefield in Southampton was struggling to balance school life with caring responsibilities for her disabled brother, often coming into school tired, struggling to focus and stay in lessons, and not having many opportunities to take time for herself.

Jess was referred to James at Saints Foundation for one-to-one mentoring. Jess felt that she didn’t fit in with her peers, and people did not understand and had no empathy for the challenges she faced both at home and at school.

Consequently, not only did she bottle her feelings up whilst at school but began to do the same around her family, so not to be seen as a burden to the challenges that they all, already had to face.

James worked with Jess to help and support her in being more open with her parents about these issues. Sadly, Jess’s brother then passed away. She credits the network she had built with James’ support and the tools she was given, in helping her when she returned to school.

Jess said: “I came back to school, I had my PE teachers to support me, James was there too and it was nice for me to see my whole network come together.”

Jess recently started her own coaching journey with Saints Foundation and their Premier League Kicks programme. She is putting her skills to good use coaching young people from the local area who are at risk of anti-social behaviour.

Her journey overcoming adversity was recognised this year when the Foundation awarded her the ‘Jordan Wilsher Award’, an award (pictured centre) that recognises people that have overcome adversity to achieve success.

James said: “The Jordan Willsher Award is very close to our hearts. I think the journey Jess has been on is incredible. It is truly inspiring, and she fully deserves this award.”

Southampton and Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu met Jess, an aspiring goalkeeper herself, at one of her sessions to present her with the award.

Barry’s beloved Leeds United helps his fitness journey

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Barry Larkin is a well-known face around Elland Road for fans and staff alike.

His affiliation with the club stretches back over 50 years to the 1973/74 season.

Known for his larger-than-life character and his wearing of shorts no matter what the Yorkshire weather brings, you can often hear his voice echoing “PROGRAMMES!” before you can see him.

However, a conversation with a member of staff from Leeds United revealed a vulnerable side that was far from the happy Barry everyone was used to seeing. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Barry like many has experienced loneliness and lived in isolation outside of his matchday duties with the Club. However, it was the Club he loves that came to his aid.

Football Club charities, such as Leeds United Foundation, have a plethora of provision to support their local community. FIT FANS is one of these programmes. FIT FANS aims to transform the lives of people aged 35-65, which is a time of life that people’s lifestyles naturally start to become less active. FIT FANS helps people like Barry change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

Having joined FIT LEEDS at his beloved Club, Barry lost 16kg over the course of the 3-months and his blood pressure dropped significantly. However, and perhaps more importantly, his well-known personality began to shine through as he encouraged and inspired other participants.

As a result of his participation in FIT LEEDS, Barry became involved in other activities to continue his positive change, both physically and mentally. He attended the Social Goals Group which supports participants to improve their mental wellbeing through engaging in conversations which, for most, revolve around their passion for Leeds United.

Barry’s weight loss and increased confidence has seen him find work as an Event Safety Steward again after a chance conversation with another employee of the Club.

Not only has his commitment to change been recognised externally but internally by the Club. He recently visited the Leeds United Training Ground and was presented a shirt by Liam Cooper and he now has a role with the Leeds United Foundation, driving the minibus to transport food hampers to families most in need during the school holidays.

The Foundation’s influence on him is so huge that as well as selling matchday programmes he also promotes the work of the charity to supporters, leading many of them to follow suit in joining and signing up to FIT FANS.

As Leeds United Foundation continue to support Barry, he has been looking for ways he can give back to his beloved club, to repay just a small amount of his gratitude back into his local community.

Recently,  Barry, joined by his ‘crew’ made up of staff from the Foundation, walked dozens of laps around the stadium’s exterior.

As the magical 60,000 target had passed, Barry completed the challenge through a guard of honour from the club’s staff, finishing pitch side and thanking all those that had supported his efforts.

Barry’s mother became ill with dementia and sadly passed away earlier this year. Supported by the Dementia Corner Flag Café group at the Foundation, and other initiatives being delivered by the club’s official charity, the well-known programme seller ultimately set his heart on the walk to give back and help the vital work that goes on in the community continue.

 

Headstart programme helping young lives make a positive school transition

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Two Greater Manchester EFL Club Community Organisations joined forces to reward children who have taken part in a school mental health programme.

Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Bolton Wanderers in the Community – charitable arms of their EFL Football Clubs – invited dozens of children who have benefitted from the EFL Trust’s Headstart programme to a celebration event at the Brick Community Stadium.

The Headstart programme, supported by Mental Health Transformation Officers at several Club Community Organisations in the North West of England, has helped more than a thousand pupils making the transition from primary to secondary schools with their mental health.

Some of the young participants from Bolton and Wigan took part in a series of workshops and sporting activities to celebrate their involvement.

Trafford Grimes, Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Mental Health Transformation Officer, said: “It’s important that we run events like this for our students that are working hard within our projects. 

“Physical and mental health are closely-related, and good mental health can positively affect physical health, so it’s been great to do this event with the support of Bolton Wanderers in the Community to celebrate the programme.” 

Year 7 pupil Lara, who started working with Trafford due to having challenges with anxiety, said the sessions have ‘raised her confidence’. 

“The sessions are good because we can just be ourselves, we have someone who can listen to us and the group sessions are fun because we can all be together in one safe space,” said Lara. 

“My anxiety is 100% better than it was.” 

Both EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs) came on board with the Headstart programme thanks to funding and support from NHS Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Moving and local authorities; Wigan Council and Bolton Council.

Several other CCOs in Lancashire run the programme – thanks to support from the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity – all of whom aim to reduce strain on the NHS by targeting those children currently accessing or are at risk of needing to access children’s mental health services.

Debbie Cook, EFL’s Director of Community said: “EFL Club Community Organisations are well engaged within schools across their communities, and we’ve seen some wonderful and impactful examples of young people benefitting with their mental health when preparing for secondary school via the Headstart programme.” 

Oliver Pratt, Bolton Wanderers in the Community’s Mental Health Transformation Officer, added: “We support the pupils through Years 6 and 7, and we hope that with the classroom sessions and one-to-one support we provide, they have the skills when going to secondary school that can enable them to further thrive.”

EFL Trust Board Membership Update

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The EFL can confirm a number of personnel changes to the Board of its charitable arm, the EFL Trust, with two EFL nominated members and Independent Trustee changes announced.

Ashley Hackett joins the EFL Trust Board as an EFL nominated Trustee to represent the nationwide network of Club Community Organisations. Ashley has 25 years of Sports Development experience, including work at Blackpool Council, Wyre Council, Major League Soccer (USA) plus roles on school boards, steering groups and the EFL Trust Advisory Group.  He is now twelve years into his tenure at Blackpool Football Club Community Trust, and during his leadership years has grown the Trust significantly.

Experienced chartered accountant Roger Shepherd has been appointed as an Independent Trustee of the Board and joins with nearly twenty years spent in Board positions and brings expertise in HR, Operations, IT, Facilities and Legal matters.

Caroline Artis joined the EFL Trust Board in September 2023 as an EFL nominated Trustee having previously joined the EFL Board in June 2023. Caroline was a partner in EY for 24 years, during which time she became London Office Managing Partner and a member of the UK and Ireland two leadership team. She remains in an ambassadorial role at EY, as well as holding two non-executive positions and trusteeships of three charities.

Uma Cresswell has assumed a new role as Senior Independent Trustee having had a significant impact supporting the charity since joining the EFL Trust Board in November 2021. Uma currently serves on a number of boards both in the private and third sector, whilst running her own international HR consulting business.

“I am delighted to officially welcome Caroline, Ashley and Roger to the Board who I know will bring a wealth of experience and relevance to the roles and have a deep understanding of the challenges facing the charitable organisations that we support.

“We are also very pleased to see Uma move into a Senior Independent Trustee role following her extensive support over the past few years since joining the Board, at what is an exciting time for the EFL Trust.”

Liam Scully, Chair of the EFL Trust

EFL Clubs and their Community Organisations to deliver nationwide Kellogg’s Football Camps

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This summer, the EFL, EFL Trust and their network Club Community Organisations have partnered with Kellogg’s to launch the Kellogg’s Football Camps.   

While Club Community Organisations have supported their local communities with holiday camps for many years, this year – teaming up with one of the UK’s most popular cereal brands, Kellogg’s – will make the summer holiday camps bigger and more exciting than ever.

Alongside football powerhouses Manchester City, Rangers and Celtic, the football camps for girls and boys aged 5-15 years will reach from Grimsby to Glasgow, and Plymouth to Peterborough, supporting parents in keeping their kids active and entertained across the nation during the school summer holidays.

Kellogg’s is giving away 30,000 free places for the camps before they kick off.

Legends of the game came together to launch Kellogg’s Football Camps at Birmingham City’s stadium, St. Andrews at Knighthead Park, with Jermaine Beckford and Michael Dawson, as well as children from local schools taking to the pitch to celebrate the launch.

“For me, football camps during school breaks were where I had the most fun, kicking the football around with your mates.

“The EFL has such an advantage being part of so many different communities up and down the country, and to have Kellogg’s on board this summer to give so many kids the same opportunity I had when I was younger is really exciting.”

Michael Dawson, former Hull City and England defender

“One of the many strengths of the EFL is that we can provide football camps for children at the heart of communities up and down the country.

“The EFL and our Clubs are excited to join Kellogg’s to continue not only creating stronger, healthier and more active communities, but also provide environments where children can forge long-lasting friendships through football.”

Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community

“Most families will be within 15 miles of a Kellogg’s Football Camp, giving children up and down Britain an opportunity to get active this summer. Run by FA qualified coaches, the camps aim to be fun and to give girls and boys the opportunity to get onto the pitch and follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes.”

Chris Silcock, Managing Director of Kellanova (the company that owns Kellogg’s)

Kellogg’s Football Camps sessions will take place throughout June and September. To claim a day parents can buy a promotional pack in-store, and sign their kids up at www.kelloggsfc.com

**18+. GB only. 2,500 camp places released weekly during 01/04/24 – 24/06/24. Purchase promo pack by 24/06/24 and claim by 16/08/24. Kellogg’s Football Camps session times and dates vary club to club. Visit kelloggsfc.com to claim camp space. Max 2 claims per household. Retain receipt. For further T&Cs, see promo packs and visit www.kelloggsfc.com

Green Football Weekend Kicks Off

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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.  

Breaking Down Barriers

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In 2021/22, EFL Clubs and Club Community Organisations engaged with over 840,000 individual participants in community-focused sessions and events.

Almost one in five of those people live with a disability, many of which are children and young people.

On International Day of Persons With Disability (December 3rd), Here are some stories of incredible young adults and youngsters, with the support of amazing community initiatives in EFL communities, who are excelling in the face of adversity.

Thomas’ National Success

Double amputee Thomas Atkinson uses his disability to inspire others in the community to follow in his path.

Thomas talks about his experience at Carlisle United Community Sport Trust and how his time there has helped shape him to become to the person he is today and play for the England Amputee Team.

“Being a student of the Carlisle United Community Education Programme was wildly beneficial for me,” Thomas said.

“I wasn’t just getting regular top level training sessions. I was learning about health and the way my body functions, which is so important.

“I was the only student with a disability, but I felt included every step of the way. Everyone was very supportive to help me achieve my goals.”

Thomas was referred to the England setup by the Cumberland FA after being spotted playing in various football camps, including Carlisle United’s soccer schools while he was a Community Sports Trust Football Development student at the Cumbrians.

As well as now being a coach at the Club Community Organisation, he has also managed to become a regular starter in goal for England Amputee Football, recently winning a Nations League competition in Poland, bringing back the team’s first major trophy in 30 years.

“Through my experiences as a community coach I know I have inspired people in their own way,” added Thomas.

“Whether it’s seeing a disabled person go on and succeed in sport. I feel a sense of pride when I am coaching, especially when young people have smiles on their faces during my sessions. It’s an amazing feeling to achieve.”

Thomas gives his advice to anybody facing challenges within the sports industry.

“The way you are is the way you are,” he added. “I was born with a disability and I can’t change that and you cannot change your situation, so your best move is to be grateful for what you have and do your best with what you can offer.

“I was born with one leg and I also have one arm. That doesn’t mean I can just sit back and watch everyone else and it doesn’t mean I can’t play. Everyone has their challenges; you just need to find your own way to overcome yours.”

Zac’s Journey

With his positive personality, Zac has brought his passion to every session and now aims to pursue a future in coaching.

At just 18 months old, Zac was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and co-ordination.

He became a Shrewsbury Town Foundation participant and joined ShrewsAbility in 2017. It was here that he found a passion for football and was able to play alongside other participants facing familiar challenges.

Zac joined the Foundation for a week of work experience in 2022, in which he got involved with different areas of the organisation from coaching to media.

One of the employment pathways the Foundation provide is their Coaches’ Academy, a programme that teaches 14 to 15-year-olds how to develop their coaching skills through both classroom and practical based learning.

Zac said: When I first joined ShrewsAbility I didn’t think I’d be able to participate in football, but they have me the opportunities to do something I didn’t think I’d be able to do.”

Jamie Edwards, CEO at Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation added: “What you see with Zac is about us getting him ready for employment which is what we’re doing  across all our programmes is about providing that pathway into employment.”

Upon graduating from the programme, Zac wishes to join the Foundation’s College and University programme and achieve a coaching qualification.

Oscar’s Story

Young Oscar doesn’t let his disability get in the way of him staying active and having fun.

Whether its handball, dodgeball, cricket or football, Oscar – a double amputee – always has a smile on his face and loves taking part in physical activity.

Much of that enjoyment is down to the support he receives from Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust’s Ruby Jager who provides engaging and inclusive sessions for him.

Ruby, a Community Coach, spoke about what it is like to coach Oscar: “Not only has Oscar learnt about different ways to overcome his barrier and use it as an advantage, but he has also learnt what is healthy and unhealthy for his body.

“Oscar is a pleasure to teach and always gives everything a go. He always challenges himself and is not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. His friends are so encouraging of him, and he always has a smile on his face when he’s around them.”

Ruby added: “By schools having us coaches delivering different programmes, it allows kids to learn new sports, learn different skills, learn about healthy eating and frees up teachers’ times.”

Foundation help ‘role model’ Bryson

“If I hadn’t have gone to Phil’s sessions, I wouldn’t have been walking on my own.”

Bryson’s relationship with Cambridge United Foundation’s Phil Mullen has been lifechanging for the youngster who lives with cerebral palsy.

The 11-year-old started playing frame football at the Club Community Organisation when he was 4 years old and could not do independent steps at the time.

He has progressed from using a frame, to quad sticks, tripods and monopod sticks – now taking some steps without walking aids.

Much of this progression s down to the popular football-based sessions provided by Phil which helps participants who live with a disability.

The Foundation said Bryson is a fantastic role model to new participants joining the sessions and a shining example of how football can help improve coordination, agility and motor skills.

Bryson’s mother Ann said: “It’s just so lovely to see Bryson and Phil’s relationship because he trusts him completely.”

Bryson added: “My greatest achievement is walking and doing my sills with a size three ball now.”