Before kick-off against Middlesbrough, we were proud to be able to recognise five special people who run and use the Luton Town FC Community Trust’s programmes as part of our EFL Community Weekend.
We would like to congratulate the following five Community Heroes who are working in the community and are having a significant impact on the lives of local people, as well as those who are participating and who benefit from their work.
They each received their pennants from manager Matt Bloomfield out on the pitch before kick-off, and below they explain what makes the Community Trust and its work special to them:
Shipaar Miah – Community inclusion Officer and Premier League Kicks Lead
“Being part of this football club has enabled me to understand what it really means to be a community, and the massive impact it has on people’s lives. I love the programme I lead on as it allows young people a safe space to play, build confidence, overcome challenges, develop life skills, play with their friends on a weekly basis. The programme allows young people to stay connected to the community and keeps them out of trouble. It allows them a voice, which they may not have outside of this programme.”
Beth Drake – Health & Wellbeing Lead, Luton Town FC Community Trust
“Luton Town Football Club Community Trust has made a massive difference to my life, because it allows me to do a job I love whilst making a difference. I get to help and support Luton Town’s community, the work and the impact that we provide in the community is massive, and in particular helps avoid social isolation for our older generation whilst combatting loneliness and allowing them to socialise.”
Martin Quigley – Hatters Social Club member
“The social club provides a warm and friendly place to meet other people, get out of the house and participate in activities together. The programme is very important because it gives people something to look forward to going to. It has a really positive impact on the community, bringing people together and providing a purpose and enjoyment without it.”
Pauline Blanchard – Hatters Social Club member
“The reason I like coming to the club is that it gives me a reason to get up in the morning and socialise in a warm place, and this is very important to me. I meet new people and everyone is very friendly. Beth is very supportive and is always cheerful. I would recommend it to anybody who is lonely, it’s one of the most important clubs I go to.”
Sue Waddacor – Hatters Social Club member
“Since returning to the UK I have suffered from mental health issues and have felt isolated. Being part of the club has enhanced my life in so many ways, and improved my positivity towards life. I look forward to the activities, trips, support and company it provides. It is a well worth cause that makes a difference to so many of us.”
Hatters Social Club is supported by the Premier League Fans Fund. The Premier League Fans Fund provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game to strengthen connections between them, their fans and local communities.
It takes place on Wednesdays between 10am-midday in the Millennium Suite at Kenilworth Road Stadium and there is no cost to members to join. The group is for existing or new fans aged 50-plus to meet and socialise, take part in gentle physical activity, play games and hear from local providers about the services that matter to them.
For more details or to register as a member, please email [email protected]
