Local heroes from several English Football League (EFL) clubs have been recognised for their community impact over the past week.
During the 2023/24 season, EFL football club charities delivered 438,033 sessions across 801,661 hours with an average of 6,084 sessions and 11,134 hours of support per club.
This continues the impressive work of EFL clubs, with Trevor Birch, CEO of the organisation, outlining that the tasks they complete are a “fundamental part of the EFL’s” identity.”
“The work undertaken by clubs has a hugely positive impact on the participants of the various programmes and in the towns and cities where people live,” he said in a press release.
“Football clubs are trusted in their communities, and this can help to remove barriers to accessing support. Clubs are successfully addressing challenges linked to health, wellbeing, education and employment as well as helping to keep communities connected.”
One hero recognised was Bristol City Foundation coach Gary Bell, who was honoured for his work with disabled and young people in the local area. Bell has worked at the Robins Foundation for over 10 years, initially starting in their education program, and he has worked his way to his current role as Disability Lead.
His impact on the lives of young people has been constant and he is an integral member of the community, providing children, young people and adults with disabilities with the opportunities to engage in sport positively in a safe and welcoming environment.
%20-%20Credit%20Bristol%20City%20Robins%20Foundation.jpeg)
He was presented with the award at Friday’s 2-1 victory against Middlesborough, saying: “I'm very shocked because it's one of those things that you would always think of other people.
“So I wasn’t expected to be nominated and I still don't know who nominated me – no one is really spilling the beans!
“I am just really honoured because it's nice to see that people are seeing the work that I'm doing and saying it is quite good and quite powerful towards the participants we are working with.”
Bolton hero recognised for digital skills volunteering
Elsewhere, Charlie Watts, a Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC) digital skills volunteer, has been recognised as an EFL community hero for his work helping support them to be digitally connected with peers and local services.
He was presented with a community heroes pennant at Saturday’s game against Leyton Orient and he admitted that he was “lost for words” when he was told he had originally been nominated.
“I was very surprised, and quite humbled because I have had problems with my self-belief and my work with Bolton Wanderers in the community has really helped me with that," he said.
“I thought I was just doing my digital skills sessions and that was it, but to see the impact it is clearly having is great.
“I have always enjoyed technology and also helping others with it who maybe aren’t as technologically savvy.”
Watts first joined the charity as a participant through their ASPIRE session and he now volunteers with BWitC’s digital skills hub, helping support the charity to digitally connect residents with peers and local services.
Led by Sarah Moraes, BWitC’s Employability Project Officer, ASPIRE is a 10-week programme, supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, WEA and the UK Government, aiming to equip young people across Bolton with the key skills to make the steps toward a positive future.
The course is open to young people aged 16 or older who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week. It offers a range of activities to help participants learn skills to support their transition into full-time employment.
