Image credit: Southampton FC via Getty Images.
Saints Foundation took centre stage at St Mary’s Stadium twice in February, raising more than £15,000 to support its life-changing work across Southampton.
The charity arm of Southampton Football Club was spotlighted at Southampton FC Women’s first-team fixture against Newcastle on Sunday, 8 February, and again at the men’s first-team clash with Charlton this past weekend.
The Foundation’s presence was unmissable, with its logo featured on the front of the men’s first-team shirts, after Principal Partner of both the Club and the Foundation, P&O Cruises, donated their front-of-shirt position for the special Charity Matchday. This branding was on display in front of the St Mary’s fans during Ross Stewart’s goal celebrations.
Funds were raised through a range of matchday activities across both fixtures, with over £15,000 already confirmed. Additional income from £1 of every programme sold is still being counted, while the match-worn shirt auction remains live.
Supporters can bid for one of the bespoke Saints Foundation shirts worn on the pitch by the men’s first team via the Club’s official auction site:
store.southamptonfc.com/auction/auction/
The matchdays also showcased the impact of the Foundation’s work in hope of creating a sense of pride among fans that is usually reserved for on the pitch performances.
Participants took on shadowing roles across the Club, gaining behind-the-scenes experience in a range of departments. One young person described it as “the best experience of my life”, while another said: “I want to do this for my first job.”
Participants also served as flag wavers, guards of honour and mascots across the two fixtures.
Last season alone, Saints Foundation supported 6,511 people in Southampton. Across both matchdays, fans heard just some of the powerful stories behind those numbers, shared pitchside, in the fanzones and within hospitality areas.
Stories like Robert’s, who after suffering a serious fall three years ago, rebuilt his confidence and independence through the Foundation’s support — later giving back by taking part in the Big Saints Skydive.
And Erin’s, who struggled with her mental health during the transition from primary to secondary school. Since joining Saints Foundation, she has grown into a leader among her peers and has now secured paid casual roles with the Foundation.
Saints Foundation is the charity of Southampton Football Club, creating opportunities for our communities to thrive.
It delivers projects that respond to the needs of the people of the local community. Using the power of the Saints badge and working together, it engages those who feel the impact of inequalities the most, helping them to achieve positive sustainable outcomes for themselves.
Saints Foundation won gold at the Sports Business Awards for the Best Sports Community Scheme (Football), and bronze at the Football Business Awards for the Best Community Scheme.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton