A wonderful day at Ilkeston Town FC’s Manor Ground providing the right opportunities to talk and support our communities.
By: Joanna Garvey
The Manor Foundation is the charitable arm of Ilkeston Town FC and aims to provide opportunities for the local community to get involved in sport and in volunteering.
On the day there was a lot of football happening, with coached sessions and more relaxed games happening across the ground, and so many children, young people, and their families getting involved.
It’s a 4g pitch so there are specific requirements about footwear, which can be a barrier to some getting involved in football. To address this the Manor Foundation has invested in over 60 pairs of football boots in all sorts of sizes so that anyone and everyone can have a go.
The Manor Foundation also provided a hot lunch for under 16’s and over 90 were fed by food prepared by the Foundation’s volunteers.
The Police Community Engagement Team were also there, breaking down barriers, and building relationships, much like we were: building the foundations for talking communities. And it was great to meet Adam Thompson, MP for Erewash, who came down to support the event: I’m looking forward to meeting with him again soon to discuss all things suicide prevention.
Thanks to Stacey and Paul for inviting us and making us feel welcome. It was great to be part of something that has the potential to change young lives.
