Dion Dublin helps Football Foundation mark 11th anniversary in style

Dion Dublin answering a question on the panel

THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION was honoured on Thursday for their efforts in promoting grassroots sport at a House of Lords reception.

 

The Foundation which was formed 11 years ago, has worked tirelessly to breathe life into the sporting scene in the UK.

Over 200 sites have been established, and last night’s reception paid tribute to the volunteers, known as the 'community champions' for their efforts in keeping their local facilities going.

talkSPORT presenter Georgie Bingham hosted the evening and chaired a panel discussion which included former Manchester United and Aston Villa star Dion Dublin.

The panel took questions from Georgie and tried to suggest what needs to be done to continue the good work of the Foundation.

 

Dion Dublin (right) poses alongside the Premier League trophy with his former boss Graham Taylor

Dublin told the guests of the work that had been carried out to improve a facility in his hometown of Leicester and praised the Foundation for the way in which it changed the fortunes of the area.

Sustainability, governance, accountability and participation were the key words of the evening as the 15 community champions described how the Football Foundation has had a profound impact on their lives.

One volunteer, Louis, spoke very movingly about how the Foundation helped reduce crime levels in his area, but also how it helped turn his life around.

Making sport facilities readily available to the general public has helped put the Football Foundation on the map and their partnership with Barclays has gone from strength to strength.

 

Louis, one of the 15 Community Champions

Paulette Cohen, Director, Global Programmes at Barclays, said: “Support from volunteers within the community has been, and will continue to be, key to the success of all our Barclays Spaces for Sports sites.

"Thanks to the hard work of the hundreds of other people who help run our facilities, more than 200 sites are providing people of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to build their skills and fulfil their potential."

Barclays Spaces for Sports is the UK’s largest ever sports-based corporate social responsibility programme. Launched in 2004 it saw international bank Barclays partner with the Football Foundation to develop 204 multi-sports sites in disadvantaged communities right across the country.