The scheme will see EFL Clubs provide community services and matchday offers to help people in challenging economic times and will contribute towards the Government’s ‘Help for Households’ initiative.
In rapid response, EFL Clubs and their respective Club Community Organisations (CCOs) have already rolled out a variety of support to those hit the hardest, with foodbanks, clothing donations and even ‘heat hubs’ providing lifelines to members of disadvantaged communities in England and Wales.
EFL partners eBay, Lifebuoy and Papa Johns will also be joining the initiative, by providing ticketing and food offers for the rest of the season.
eBay will be using its partnership with the EFL to allow supporters and people in the local community, who may not usually be able to attend EFL fixtures, to do so through the provision of match day tickets, further showcasing a commitment and drive to bring communities, and EFL clubs within them together. Lifebuoy will also provide tickets to EFL matches, specifically targeting families in need.
Papa Johns is offering all EFL ticket holders 50% off pizza through their Show Us Your Ticket campaign. This season-long campaign aims to boost fans’ matchday experience and reward their loyalty during the cost-of-living crisis.
To find out more and see the full list of EFL club offers visit: https://www.efl.com/supporters/together-supporting-communities/
The Luton Town Community Trust offer the following activities as part of our aim to support the local community:
Social Club - a weekly informal club aimed at the over 50's, offering a safe and warm place to socialise, play games and meet new people over hot drinks and cake. (Every Wednesday 10:00 - 12:00pm at Kenilworth Road) For further information please email community@lutontown.co.uk.
Fit Fans - a free 12-week programme for adults who would like to lose weight, get fitter and lead a more active life. For more information email Health@lutontown.co.uk.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) is funded by the Department of Education for those in reception to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. The HAF programme's purpose is to make sure children and young people are entertained, active, educated, safe and is delivered with local partners in school holidays.
For more information, please email community@lutontown.co.uk.
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “Providing a warm stadium for a coffee morning, a regular food bank or clothing collections, ‘Together – Supporting Communities’ will offer real tangible help for those people hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis within our communities.”
“While EFL Clubs support people all year round, we recognise that now more than ever we should come together and maximise the power of our network to support people who are struggling.”
Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, said: “Football clubs are the heart and soul of their communities and this new initiative with the EFL shows the true value of these community assets.
"Clubs are nothing without their fans and in difficult times it is great to see clubs reaching out to help their followers with so much support.
“The government is helping people struggling this winter with our Help for Households programme and I warmly welcome the Together - Supporting Communities scheme which will provide another vital lifeline."
