Stoke City launch new charity mission ahead of community weekend
The foundation aims to build active communities and healthier lives, united by football
Stoke City Football Club has revealed a new name and mission for its official charity ahead of a double-header of community themed fixtures this weekend.
The newly titled Stoke City Foundation has pledged to provide ‘active communities, healthier lives, united by football’ across Stoke-on-Trent and its surrounding communities.
With the firm focus placed upon promoting and providing opportunities to take part in physical activity, as well as educating the people of the Potteries on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, this weekend’s men’s and women’s matchdays will see supporters learn more about the mission.
With bet365 having donated their sponsorship, the Potters will sport the new brand of the Club’s charity on the front of their shirts and warm-up tops in the Club’s men’s and women’s team matches this weekend.
The Potters’ men are in action against Norwich City tomorrow, before the women’s team face Manchester United Academy at Wellbeing Park in Yarnfield on Sunday. Match worn shirts will be signed and auctioned during the aftermath of the games for the charity.
Supporters will also be able to donate to the cause in cash via bucket collections and electronically within the Club’s retail store on Saturday.
The Foundation will share the spotlight at Saturday’s game with the nationwide PlaySafe initiative, promoting crucial safeguarding awareness for children and adults at risk and spreading a critical vigilance message to everyone connected to the game that ‘small talk is bigger than you think.’
Stoke City’s Director of Community Engagement, Laura Nicholls, said: “We are massively excited to reveal this new direction and mission for our charity, the Stoke City Foundation.
“From this day forward, everyone associated with Stoke City will know exactly how their Club is contributing to our community and be proud of the tangible positive impact we will be having.
“We look forward to sharing more information with our supporters regarding how they can benefit and get involved, both on Saturday and beyond.”
A host of activities will take place inside-and-outside the bet365 Stadium, showcasing the work of the Club’s official charity with football, physical exercise and fun educational activities all on offer, together with themed entertainment both inside and outside the stadium bowl.
Over 1,000 free tickets will be given away to deserving participants linked to the Club’s charitable endeavours for whom football wouldn’t usually be accessible.
The half-time interval will, meanwhile, see supporters entertained by a Pan-Disability fixture on the pitch.
Nicholls added: “Having a dedicated community fixture will provide an amazing opportunity to bring our projects to life so those that love the Club can see the bigger picture they are a part of for the greater good.
“Our fans will get an insight into who we are as a charity, what we’re going to do and how they can get involved in our work. Meanwhile, the array of activities will ensure that everyone has a great time in and around the event too.
“We couldn’t deliver the things we do in our community without the amazing support of our partners, all of whom will be in attendance on the day with presentations made to show our gratitude.
“It’s also an amazing gesture from bet365 to donate the front of the shirt to raise awareness of our cause, and one for which we are truly grateful.
“The centrepiece of both days will of course be the football, and with the love of the game itself being the primary beacon that makes all our charitable work possible, that’s exactly as it should be.
“For us to get in and around that to increase awareness of the work of our amazing charity is a great opportunity, and one we are grateful for being able to deliver. Hopefully, we’ll all be celebrating three points for the Potters together at the end of both matchdays too.”