When Crawley Town Community Foundation was announced Ignition EFL Community Club for the South East 2020 at the beginning of March, nobody anticipated what was to come. Following the Covid-19 outbreak and since the lockdown was announced, we transformed our operation to be in a position to continue to support the community digitally through the crisis. Now with Government restrictions easing, it’s time to look ahead to see what we can do to help the community moving forward.
The physical and mental health of our participants and staff is a priority, and so we have focused on returning with sessions and activities to ease people back into social settings at their own pace and taking into consideration Government guidelines.
We have started delivering the first phase of football of football for u16s with 1 on 1 sessions. Eventually as the future becomes clearer, we are then looking to return training to small groups of participants including Soccer Schools and pre-season training for our Elite & Development squads, as well as the return of Mini Reds and Soccer Centre on Saturdays.
Crawley Town’s u19 Football Education Academy Programme has now begun a return to football training with education set to return in the autumn, and will follow Government guidance of when to return for the 2020/21 season.
The application process to join the squad is now open to new students who are just finishing their year 11 or year 12.
The National Citizen Service (NCS) is partnering with charity shops for the first phase of its One Million Hours of Doing Good campaign, which will encourage those aged 16-18 to transform their “summer of disappointment” through volunteering in their local community through social action. Opportunities to get involved with local projects will begin in July and/or August.
We also continue to support the community of Crawley particularly those most vulnerable with local partners and organisations. Our EFL Extra Time Hubs for over 55s will continue to provide opportunities and support for the elderly and vulnerable in relation to reducing loneliness, social isolation and mental wellbeing.
We will also be seeking to develop opportunities to support those who have been most affected by recent changes to employment following the Covid-19 pandemic with education and potential employability programmes.
Crawley Town Community Foundation uses the power of sport and football to engage, inspire and empower people. Working with participants and the community, together with local, regional and national partners, we aim to positively change lives and support people in health & wellbeing, sports participation, equalities and inclusion, education, enterprise, employment and skills, regeneration and community safety.
For more up-to-date information visit our social media –
Facebook: Crawley Town Community Foundation
Twitter: @CrawleyTownCF
Instagram: @CrawleyTownCF
