The Premier League Fans Fund provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game in order to strengthen connections between them, their fans and local communities.
Foundation 92 supports a range of fan-focused and fan-led projects helping to foster a sense of belonging through engagement. This includes schemes for under-represented groups to further develop an inclusive and welcoming match day experience for everyone.
One of the target groups for Foundation 92 to engage with both as a charity and within the Premier League Fans Fund Programme is young people living with additional needs. As a charity, our mission is to provide equitable opportunities for all. This has been done via several means including matchday activities and community group workshops alongside monthly activities held and hosted by Foundation 92.
Such examples include a young girl, Amy, living with Autism and awaiting double major scoliosis operations who has been supported by Salford City & Foundation 92
Amy started her engagement with Foundation 92 via her mother reaching out after seeing online the opportunities that were on offer for the community.
As a child living with autism, she was particularly pleased to know Salford City Football Club provides sensory bags during games and would like to know how these are allocated. Following correspondence with the F92 team, their location within the ground was sourced and a sensory bag was delivered. Amy loved her time at the game and reached out again to take part in some of the charity’s wider programmes including One Salford, from there an opportunity to become an official mascot of the club at a game presented itself. Amy, was both excited and anxious about the opportunity, however having worked with club staff and being supported by her mother, Amy took to the field as the club entered the game.
Amy’s Mum, Cheryl Parker said: “Thank you so much for letting Amy be a mascot on Saturday, the girls who looked after her really made her feel special.”
Since this matchday Amy has been diagnosed with double major scoliosis which has limited her ability to attend games and continue her direct relationship with Salford City Football Club, as a keen fan she has been able to watch highlights and keep an eye on results whilst also maintaining and supporting her favourite players including Matty Lund.
In March Salford City FC’s Matty Lund gave Amy a signed home shirt and gave her his match-worn shirt at full-time!
Find out more about our matchday experience:
https://foundation92.co.uk/our-work/community-engagement/salford-city-fc/