The Luton Town Community Trust held a celebration evening in the Eric Morecambe Lounge last night as they marked ten years since they were formed.
The Trust has come on leaps and bounds in many different ways since 2009.
Whilst staffing has increased from two full-time and three part-time members of staff up to 18 full-time and 36 part-time, the weekly individual engagements has grown by nearly 1,000 per cent, from 400 up to 3,500.
A report into the social impact that the Community Trust had to local areas is valued at £4.5 million, five times what it spends.
The charity celebrated the work of all the staff, participants, trustees and partners last night, who have all played their part in helping the Trust flourish into what is a fantastic asset not only to the Hatters, but to Luton itself.
Kevin Thoburn, Head of the Community Trust said: “It was great to look back over the last ten years and thank all of our partners and participants. But for me the exciting challenge is that with the increased profile the club currently enjoys, we can consider even more projects that deal with the challenges Luton as a town faces.
“Our challenge as the football club's official registered charity is to use the power of football and our brand to engage, motivate and hopefully improve the lives of everyone who comes into contact with the Trust. We have a terrific workforce who are motivated and who deliver and we are all looking foward to the next 10 years!”
Bob Curson, club director and trustee chair of the Community Trust added: “The growth of the charity over the last ten years has been fantastic, in terms of numbers, we started back in 2009 coaching around 400 school children a week to this year reaching over 3,500 participants every week from primary school age to pensioners!
“Our turnover is approaching £1 million this financial year as we take on more and more new projects and as our number of strategic partners such as Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police grows.
“Last night was really a celebration for everyone, trustees, staff, participants and partners and to say a big thank you to everyone who has engaged with the Trust in the last 10 years. Community is at the heart of 2020's vision for our football club and the board are extremely proud of the work the Community Trust carries out in our name every day (and night) of the week.”
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Trust, your hard work is having a hugely positive impact in the local area.