A new impact report from Sheffield United Community Foundation has showed how the charity has invested almost £1.5 million in local communities from 2020 to 2021.
The report, published last week, listed tens of projects organised by the club, including disability football sessions for young people aged eight and above, LGBT+ empowerment initiatives, and Fans Fighting Cancer sessions for those over 16-years-old.
Other sessions focussed on men’s mental health and grassroots girls’ football teams.
👧 Our brand new Girls Youth Club starts soon!
See below for all the details 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nWCTbznAd6
— Sheffield United Community Foundation (@CommunitySUFC) March 18, 2022
Chris Bailey, Head of Sheffield United Community Foundation, said: “If 2020 to 2021 has shown us anything, it is that regardless of the challenges we face, or the success we celebrate, if we share these with each other, not only will we be supported, we will become truly united.”
The report highlighted the story of Claire, a regular participant in the Fans Fighting Cancer programme after being persuaded to attend by members of another cancer support group.
Photo: Sheffield United Football Club Community Foundation
Claire said the programme has given her the confidence to participate in exercise after her diagnosis, as well as make new friends with similar life experiences.
She said: “It’s been a lifesaver really, during lockdown. I used to be quite fit before I got my cancer, but it really affected my fitness.
“It’s really food to be able to do things at your own level. It gives me structure for the week and something to look forward to.”
The report also highlighted the Foundation’s work with young people through the National Citizen Service (NCS) – an annual organisation giving hands-on experience to thousands of 16-year-olds around the country.
Photo: Sheffield United Football Club Community Foundation
Charlie, who began NCS in 2019, said in the report she had “the best summer” of her life – so much so she signed up to the graduate scheme.
She said: “I continued focusing on support for local charities, raising awareness for important causes and helping shape future NCS programmes.
“The relationship between myself and the Foundation was never truly lost, and it wasn’t long before I came back to NCS after I applied to be a team leader for the summer programme.”
To find out how you can support the Sheffield United Community Foundation, you can contact them here.
