Featured image: John Walton
Albion in the Community (AITC), the official charity arm of Brighton and Hove Albion FC, has been recognised in parliament for its good deeds. Because of AITC’s massive positive impact, the Seagulls were crowned South East Checkatrade Community Club of the Year.
It was all part of the English Football League Awards, which saw delegates from the Seagulls charity invited to parliament along with other regional big names in football. The six regional winners were selected by an independent panel of esteemed judges including Henry Winter (chief football writer for The Times), Sam Haylen (football policy advisor at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport), and Greg Clements (Sport England’s strategic lead for relationships).
The charity works closely with the Brighton and Hove community to ensure that young people – regardless of their ability or identity – can come together and play football. It also motivates those from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity to boost their lifestyles, aspirations, and life chances.
More than 30,000 people in Sussex have received help from AITC in the last year, and the Albion charity continues to run around 60 projects including soccer schools, disability awareness schemes, and health programmes.
Matt Dorn, chief executive officer at AITC, said: “This award is testament to the professionalism and dedication displayed by our staff on a daily basis. “I would also like to recognise the outstanding efforts of all the people who participate in our many programmes. Without their hard work, AITC would not be the success that it is. Really, this award is for the 30,000 people we worked with over the last year.”
“I would also like to recognise the outstanding efforts of all the people who participate in our many programmes. Without their hard work, AITC would not be the success that it is. Really, this award is for the 30,000 people we worked with over the last year.”
Mike Evans, EFL Trust director of operations, praised the good deeds all six clubs carried out through their and community trusts.
He said: “Without question this was the strongest year we have ever had in terms of quality of Community Club of the Year applications, giving the judging panel some really tough decisions.
“All of our club trusts should be rightly proud of their efforts, and for the six selected clubs, it’s a tremendous honour to be recognised in Parliament and to be showcased in the House of Commons.
“They are deserving winners and great ambassadors for the work of all EFL clubs in their communities across the country.”
The overall winner from the six nominees will be revealed at the EFL awards on 9 April.
