THE COMMUNITY arm of Reading Football Club was celebrated at a showcase event at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The club’s Community Trust welcomed stakeholders including representatives from local authorities, charities and the education sector to the home of the Royals to highlight the impact of its work across the town.
After an initial reception, guests headed into the Princess Suite for a presentation hosted by ITV’s Mel Bloor.
A Q&A session saw a panel featuring Reading defender Tom McIntyre take questions from the audience; the hometown hero was full of praise for the Community Trust’s work, having come through its soccer schools growing up himself.
He explained: “I remember when players would come down and take photographs, sign autographs and maybe even join in. For me, that really inspired me and it gave me aspirations that I wanted to play in the first team.
“To now go back to those same soccer camps, as a player, is a privilege.”
Speeches were also delivered by the Community Trust manager, Dave Evans, and community engagement manager, Sara Bradley.
Football-related activities make up just a part of the organisation’s work, all of which falls under its overarching ethos of caring for, developing and educating people of all ages and abilities within Reading and surrounding areas.
The Trust’s four pillars of activity delivery are: health, education, social inclusion and sports participation.
From Age UK-partnered dementia cafes to mentoring projects, some of which have seen former mentees become staff members, the impact of the Trust’s activities can be seen in the numbers, with 91% of service users saying they experienced improved mental well-being as a result of their involvement.
Last year, the organisation delivered more than £1.5 million of income and funding to invest in community projects, initiatives and wider support, carrying out 4,849 sessions and events and engaging 12,484 participants.
A total social value of £12.5 million was generated by projects and programmes run by the club, with just less than half of that coming through mental health.
The event also saw guests take part in a Community Trust-themed quiz, which saw money raised for Swings and Smiles. The charity provides play facilities for children with special needs, and manages the sensory room at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on matchdays.
The organisation’s assistant manager Richard Witt, who celebrated 20 years with the club last season, spoke about ‘the power of the badge’ and how the club can act as a conduit between young people and the help they need to reach their full potential.
