Football clubs from all levels up and down the country are doing their bit to support local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With all major football leagues in England currently postponed, and many of us in self-isolation, there are still plenty of people and resources to help those in need during this testing time.
Below are some useful club initiatives in different parts of England that may help you or someone you know. Stay posted to this page and we will update you with all the latest ones.
Chelsea
Chelsea have made their Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available to NHS staff. The rooms will be used to house medical professionals after long shifts and provided to hospital employees with longer commutes. Those eligible will be told directly via their employers.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are working with the Felix Project, a London-based charity that collects surplus food and redistributes it to various charities. Spurs have donated over 1,200 items. More information on the Felix Project can be found via felixproject.org.
A further collection of surplus food and drink from the stadium has been made by @felixprojectuk this morning and will be distributed to those in need within our local community 👍#TogetherTHFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/3r5rxBneG7
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 18, 2020
Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient have launched a 64-team FIFA tournament that includes entrants from all levels of English football, including Premier League champions Manchester City. Orient also have a fundraiser for COVID-19 cure research. You can donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ultimate-quaranteam
St Michaels DHFC
The WDFL Premier League club from Chesire are making their players and staff available on Saturdays during matchday times to do grocery and pharmacy runs for the elderly. To request help you can message the club directly via Twitter, @StMichaelsDHFC.
Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt has released details of how fans can get an instant refund on their season tickets for the remaining five games of the season. Find out more details.
Heaton Stannington
Northern League Division Two side Heaton Stannington are working with The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle to donate spare food, usually consumed on game days, to those who need it. The People’s Kitchen are a charity offering "friendship, food and futures" to homeless and disadvantaged people. Find more information visit or call 0191 222 0699.
"Things like this transcend football. We got together with the idea of trying to raise £10k to fill the void, and to be here a little over 48 hours later with £50k of donations is the biggest testimony to this city."
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 16, 2020
Together with @SFoodbanks, @LFCFoundation & @Red_Neighbours ✊ pic.twitter.com/5GNt5ledhL
Liverpool
Liverpool's players have contributed to a £50,000 donation to Fans Supporting Foodbanks – a joint initiative between Liverpool and Everton to tackle food poverty in the Merseyside area. To learn how you can benefit from the initiative go to @SFoodBanks on Twitter.
Manchester City Women
England and Manchester City defender Aoife Mannion (@AoifeMannion) has offered to grocery shop for those who can’t easily leave their homes in the Manchester area. The 24-year-old was called up to Phil Neville’s squad for the first time during last August’s friendlies with Belgium and Norway. West Ham Women’s Gilly Flaherty (@Gilly_Flaherty) is one of a number of players who replied to Mannion’s post with a similar offer.
Stevenage FC
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace will mobilise players and club staff to deliver meals to the elderly. Stevenage also plan to use their club kitchen to aid with cooking them. More details will be released soon.
Watford
Watford have launched a campaign called 'Hornets At Home' targeting elderly and disabled supporters. It is a general appeal seeking volunteers to aid those who can’t easily get out of the house with daily tasks. To get involved email your details to ticket.office@watfordfc.com
Witham Town
Witham Town are asking those at high risk in Essex to reach out to chairman Mark Nicholas via email (mark.nicholls_1@btinternet.com). First-team manager Marc Benterman is also actively engaging with elderly supporters.
🍽️ The food which was prepared for today’s game against Altrincham has been donated to Changing Lives York.
— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) March 14, 2020
The local charity works with and houses ex-rough sleepers - most of whom have complex issues connected with drug and alcohol misuse and mental ill-health.#YCFC ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/JX3SujgfFa
York City
York City have donated spare food to their local Changing Lives charity, which works with ex-rough sleepers or those at risk of homelessness. For more information on Changing Lives go to changing-lives.org.uk.
We continue to monitor all Government advice relating to the COVID-19 virus, with the situation under constant review. The priority remains the health of all. In addition to physical well-being, this period may prove mentally taxing for some.
All season we have been encouraging the football community to participate in the biggest ever conversation around mental health. Find more resources on our Heads Up campaign.
