by Nicola Girling | Oct 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
Sale United Football Club Partners With Trafford Veterans
Sale United Football Club is one of the largest grassroots club in the North West of England and is an FA Chartered Community Club. Their work on inclusion and welfare for the local community is impressive. Comprising of a huge 64 teams, it’s no surprise that many of the players and supporters have armed forces connections.
We spoke to Sale United Football Clubs Chairman and Facilities Manager, Colin Dowdy about their involvement with the local Veteran Community.
Colin, like many others throughout Sale United, is deeply committed to Veteran welfare and when they were introduced to Trafford Veterans CIC they were eager to help them achieve their goal of reaching as many local veterans as possible.
Sale United had a small clubhouse that was occasionally used for refreshments during some games. Other than that, this clubhouse was pretty much unused and in need of a little TLC. This little used facility was soon to be given a new lease of life.
In line with their community focussed ethos, Sale United approached Trafford Vets with the idea of them being able to access the clubhouse for Veteran related activities and events.
Claire Wright of Trafford Veterans CIC was delighted with the offer and with a little funding, a group of Veterans set to work redecorating the clubhouse to make it their very own Veterans Hub. Comprising of a small kitchen area and an area for seating, the Hub was soon put to work as the home of Trafford Veterans CIC.
Sale United Gives Trafford Veterans A Home
Claire is able to use the clubhouse as an office midweek which has streamlined their activities and means they have been able to put on many more activities due to having a permanent building. Claire served in the Royal Navy Reserves and then the Royal Navy for many years and understands first hand many of the issues Armed Forces Veterans face.
“Having the Hub has given us a sense of permanence and security. It’s important for anyone, especially Veterans to have a feeling of belonging. Having this space has made a huge difference in terms of the activities we can offer. Sale United have been fantastic with their support. We can do more in the community now and make a bigger impact.”-Claire Wright
Trafford Veterans were able to facilitate a Mental Health Awareness Course at the Hub, with many in attendance.
The area outside the Hub is suitable for larger gatherings which means the family and friends aof veterans can also attend events. In warmer weather it isn’t unusual for the BBQ to be on.
Sale United FC Proud Of This Commitment
“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to help Trafford Veterans find a home. Their work in the local community is outstanding and we are a community club. The Hub is a credit to their hard work and it is always great to see so many people attending”- Colin Dowdy
It’s clear this this is just the beginning of a partnership between Sale United FC and their local Veteran Community.
“We are looking for ways to do more, like any club we have financial restrictions and limitations but as we have shown with The Hub, there are other ways to help.” Colin Dowdy
Through Claire at Trafford Veterans , a band called The North West Veterans Corps of Drums has also been given space to practice in another, larger outbuilding belonging to Sale United.
We are sure that Sale United FC will continue to support Trafford Veterans CIC along with 2 other local football teams, Trafford FC and Altrincham FC.
If you can think of more ways to support Sale United FC or Trafford Veterans CIC in their community projects or would like to find out about their activities and events, please go to their websites or get in touch via email.
Sale United Website- Saleunitedfc.co.uk Colin Dowdy- colin.dowdy@ntlworld.com
Trafford Veterans Website- Traffordveterans.org/ Trafford Vets- info@traffordveterans.org
Terraces And Troops wants to hear about your football and forces stories! Please get in touch with us via our Contact Form
by Nicola Girling | Sep 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
Former Royal Green Jacket Reservist and avid QPR fan Mark, is on yet another challenge to raise funds for veterans charities. This time taking on a running challenge in aid of Help For Heroes.
We caught up to talk about his Grandfathers imprisonment as a Japanese POW. His love for all things QPR, his time as a RGJR and the charitable work he has continued to do for Veterans.
Royal Green Jacket Reservist-6 years
Back in 1993 Mark was a Reservist Rifleman in the 4RGJ out of Central London. He volunteered for 3 years Then like so many other people, he stepped forward again in 2001 at the start of the Afghan conflict and did another 3 years in the 5RRV out of Milton Keynes. This was a Royal Green Jacket company in a combined battalion.
Terraces and Troops
We chatted about football supporters within the forces
England games were always a bit of a raucous affair .Like anywhere there was always a lot of banter about club football. More so in 4RGJ due to its Central London location. A mix of just about every football team being supported meant a lot of inter club banter but always light hearted unless- your team had just been mauled. In 5RRV out of Milton Keynes it was less so, probably due to it being before poor old Wimbledon got moved and relocated.- Mark Peel
As a Reservist, Marks weekends were spent training in case they were called up for active duty, so he never got the chance to play football. He did however enjoy playing prior to making a commitment to the 4RGJ Res.
I did play a lot of football away from the Reserves though. I was a goalkeeper from youth levels through to Sunday league with Milton Keynes Sunday. I had the privilege of playing at Loftus Road and Wembley as a kid which as a QPR fan was magical.
A Way Of Life
Like many of us, Mark was brought up in the way of life, with both his Dad and Step-Dad taking him along to QPR games from an early age.
My very 1st QPR game is a bit of football history. September 1st 1981. I was a 5 year old attending QPR vs Luton from the Ellerslie Road stand. It was the 1st game in EFL history to take place on astro turf. We used to call it the plastic pitch. Like so many days and games since then, my 1st taste of QPR football was fraught with distress at a loss.
One of Marks most sentimental matches was going to Wembley to watch QPR beat Derby in the play off finals. Not only was this a fantastic result but a testament to his close relationships with his family.
That was alongside both my Dad and Step Dad, both of whom had seen the QPR V West Bromich final in 1967 (before my time).
Family Military History
We touch on why he continues to fund raise for Veterans, and its clear that his family military history has had a big impact.
My Step Dad was a Royal Fusilier and one of the last generation to do National Service. He served during the Suez Canal Crisis. My Grand Dad served in WW2 and was unlucky enough to be take prisoner by the Japanese. Luckily he made it home in the end. There’s a mixed bag of other service amongst the whole family
So what about your latest fundraising challenge?
I chose Help For Heroes as the challenge they are doing (move 100 miles in September) tied in with my attempt to get fit again. I decided to pledge to do the entire thing as a running challenge over the course of the month. I had previously done a sponsored walk for H4H and also a ‘Britains Bravest Military Challenge’ for Royal British Legion Industries. Pretty much any fundraising I do is for military support charities. As a Veteran it’s something close to my heart. I am lucky as I have all my fingers and toes still, even if my hearing is a bit whack. But many of the guys and gals don’t and I feel its only right to give back when I am so lucky. I genuinely believe our service personal, both young and old deserve so much more support than they get.
You can support Mark by visiting his link and Making A Small Donation Here, or simply by sharing this article on your social media platforms, website or even mailing list. It would be great of you could share this within football and veteran organisations.
*This article may contain affiliate links to enable us to pay for site hosting*.
by Nicola Girling | Sep 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
Accrington Stanley Community Trust has long valued their relationship with the armed forces community. Lee Walsh of the Community Trust is heading up their campaign to do more for veterans after being appointed as Military Veterans Project Lead in December 2021.
Accrington Stanley Community Trust Veterans Breakfast Club
Initially the Community trusts intention was to trial a monthly breakfast meeting for veterans in the local area. Working closely with East Lancashire based charity- Veterans In Community (VIC) the community trust were able to secure a venue and established solid relationships within the veteran community. The first Accrington Stanley veterans breakfast club took place in January 2022. The project had been launched a mere month earlier and is testament to the support the project has received from both the footballing community and veterans services locally.
Following the first ever breakfast meeting Lee Walsh said
“It was great to see so many people there for the first meeting of our Veterans Breakfast Club, it gave us the opportunity to speak to local people and provided inspiration for future veterans activities.”
Initially the breakfast meetings were subsidised costing a mere £3 for a brew and a butty at the venue. However, by April 2022, further funding from The Veterans Foundation means the meetings are now completely free for veterans.
The Accrington Stanley Military Veterans Breakfast event is held on the last Wednesday of every month at The Carers Link cafe in Accrington town centre.
More About Veterans In Communities
We spoke to Bob Elliott, Operations Manager of Veterans In Communities to talk about the role of sport in military life. Having served 9 years in the Royal Engineers, he knows first hand how important sport is for mental wellbeing and physical fitness.
We met with Accrington Stanley Community Trust in 2021 as they were interested in setting up a veteran group and breakfast club using the football club’s good standing in the community. With our experience of working with other community groups and football clubs, we recognise the benefits that local clubs can bring to the armed forces community. Sport is a large part of military life and when they leave, they continue with their personal fitness or enjoy the social aspect that sports bring- Bob Elliott
How Does Veterans In Communities Support The Scheme?
When we were asked to get involved, we offered our full support as our outreach services operate in Hyndburn. These outreach services meet many veterans living in the community, and VIC could compliment the good work of the social and breakfast clubs that Accrington Stanley Community trust have established. These groups bring together veterans irrespective of the branch of service, their ages, or personal circumstances. If they don’t or can’t take part in the physical aspect the club offers, the camaraderie is one of the aspects many veterans miss, and this can only improve the mental health and make new friends and social networks. VIC will continue to support the club in whichever way we can and have already seen the benefits of those participating- Bob Elliott
Lee Walsh Of Accrington Stanley Community Trust would also like to give special thanks to the following organisations for their advice and support in setting up this project-
Burnley Veterans Programme,
First Light Trust,
Healthier Heroes,
Armed Forces Covenant,
Homes For Humanity ,
Age UK
Read on for the other exciting veteran related projects from Accrington Stanley.
Accrington Stanley Community Trust Weekly Veterans Event
The next task Lee undertook was to organise a regular social event for current and ex members of the military. Using feedback from the monthly Veterans Breakfast Club it became
apparent that many veterans of working age needed an event in the evenings, and somewhere their families would also be welcomed.
‘‘we have been working hard over the last few months to develop a breakfast club in the town that local military veterans can attend, have a free breakfast and speak to likeminded people, from this it’s been mentioned that younger veterans who still work would like and evening session they can attend around traditional working hours, Monday evenings at Stanley Sports Hub will now be an opportunity for veterans to socialize and have a kick about. ‘’Lee Walsh
With an aim to improve both mental and physical health of the community a weekly meeting combines both. Every Monday sees an evening meeting of which the first half is for socialising and the second for playing or watching football. This means that regardless of age or physical ability everyone can attend and feels included.
The family friendly approach sees partners and children sometimes in attendance. It is usual to see children of veterans playing football together whilst veterans chat and form new friendships.
Currently these weekly meetings are held at Accrington Stanley Sports Hub from 6pm till 8pm on Mondays at Stanley Sports Hub, Thorneyholme Rd, Accrington, BB5 6BD
Lee was delighted to receive some funding from The Veterans Foundation for the Accrington Stanley Military Veterans Project. Their support has been instrumental in keeping this a completely free to attend event .for all veterans and currently serving armed forces members.
Major General David Shaw is the Veterans Foundation founder and has this to say
“The Veterans’ Foundation has been set up to help fund charities and other charitable organisations that are helping serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their dependants, who are in need.”
“The Veterans’ Foundation raises its money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations. Since inception in July 2016, it has given over £11 million through over 600 grants to over 300 unique organisations, many of them small to medium-sized and very worthwhile charities, which are helping members of the Armed Forces community who are in need. Forecasts indicate the Veterans’ Foundation will make grants totalling £4.4 million this financial year. The charities and other organisations we have helped include those tackling the challenges of mental and physical injuries, homelessness, unemployment, children’s loss of parents while serving and remembrance. We encourage you to spread the word.” Major General David Shaw
To find out more about the Veterans Foundation, including how to donate or play their lottery, please visit them at Veterans Foundation
Armed Forces Champion Appointed
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Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT) has appointed its first Armed Forces Champion, Jaqui Collins. Jaqui completed 32 years in the Royal Military Police serving in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Bosnia, Germany & the UK.
Since her Retirement from the Forces in 2014, Jaqui has raised a considerable amount of money for local charities and has also worked on projects with Veterans In Communites (VIC) and also as an outreach worker for Older Veterans with Age Uk Lancs.
Jaqui is passionate about helping fellow veterans and initially started to assist ASCT with the breakfast clubs, however Stanley Trust soon asked her to come on board as an employee when her dedication, knowledge and passion shone through. Jaqui is instrumental in organising each event and hosted a successful Armed Forced Fun Day for the Stanley Trust at the end of August. Jaquis connections have been invaluable to both the club and her fellow veterans. The next mission is to take their Veterans, along with those from Burnley Football Club, to the National Memorial Abortorium in Staffordshire ahead of Remembrance Day.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Stanley Trust Military Veterans Project can contact Lee on lee.walsh@stanleytrust.co.uk
We Attended The Veterans Social And Football Club
After speaking to Jaqui regarding the Military Veterans Programme we decided to go along and see for ourselves the community that ASCT is building with local Veterans.
On arriving it was clear that this was a place for everyone, irrespective of their age. Along with local Veterans there were ASCT staff, partners of Vets and their children.
Although ASCT lay on refreshments it was heart-warming to see people bringing in treats to share with each other. We spoke with Matt, a Vet who was dishing out some cakes for everyone, about his military history and why he attends the club.
Matt served in the Fleet Air Arm for 9 years working on helicopters. Upon leaving the forces in 2017 he went through the resettlement process and admits that there were times when he struggled to settle into a different way of life. Matt lives locally and although he supports Burnley the Veterans clubs are about having served in the forces. Not which team you support.
My Missus spotted a post on Facebook about this event so i thought i would come along. I’ve been coming for a few weeks now as well as going to an event at Burnley FC on Tuesdays. The group are really supportive and it’s good that we can share stories. I do love having a kick about with them-Matt
Next we spoke to Michael and his Daughter Hilary.
Michael is 92. Although he doesn’t join in with the football part of the evenings event he played football for RAF Wyton, his camp team when he was in the RAF for 8 years. Locally he played for his village team Hemingford Grey. Michael comes along with his Daughter every week for a chin wag.
Originally a Blacksmith/Welder by trade he was drafted into Bomber Command in the RAF and recalls with merriment the day when he was asked to work on a Lancaster Bomber. More than a little confused as to why they would need him, it soon transpired they wanted something quite unique from him!
I really didn’t know why they needed me. Turned out they needed my welding skills for an addition to the Bomber. The pilots needed something to urinate into whilst they were flying. I ended up making a special trough and welding it in so they could stay up in the air for as long as they needed to – Michael
His Daughter Hilary is the Chairperson of the Church and Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion. It was through her contacts that she got to know about the social club. It is very clear that Hilary is really proud of her Fathers service in the Armed Forces.
Dad still enjoys socialising and he likes coming to this event on Mondays. It’s good that he can spend time with people who also served. Even if they’re not the same age. It was a significant part of his life – Hilary
Finally we spoke to Emma. Her Partner Phil was in the Royal Signals for 22 years and her Mum spent 6 years in the RAF. Emma’s Daughter is in the Army Cadets, and Emma herself works alongside Veterans as a member of the team at Burnley Military Veterans Programme.
These kinds of groups are really important. Phil enjoys playing football but it isn’t just about that. These events bring them together and you can see how much they enjoy each other’s company. They all know if they need support they will find it here. – Emma
Accrington Stanley Do More For Veterans
Accrington Stanley Football Club are proud to include Armed Forces personnel in their concessions scheme. This means veterans
and currently serving members of the military can get into games at a reduced rate. In order to benefit from this amazing saving those that qualify simply need to present their armed forces identification at the time of ordering their tickets. In addition to this the club also support the Tickets For Troops scheme which sees organisations donating seats for events to those in the armed forces. For availability visit the Tickets for Troops website and join up.
We are big fans of everything Accrington Stanley Football CLub are doing to support Veterans in their local community alongside so many others teams and organisations.
If you would like to feature in a Terraces and Troops article them please Get In Touch We would love to hear from you.
*This article contains affiliate links that may pay a commission to help with our hosting fees*
by Nicola Girling | Nov 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Bishop Auckland Football Club Remembers
This year marked a first for Bishop Auckland St Mary’s Junior Football Club. And so profound was this change, that they will continue to do this until it is steeped in tradition.
Bishop Auckland football club had their Remembrance Ceremony prior to their match against Crook Town on Saturday 13th November. Due to the commitment of both the club and Ruth Wright of SSAFA, this was a well rehearsed and very poignant service.
Harry Rose, a 14 year old who used to play for Bishop Auckland St Mary’s was outstanding with his rendition of The Last Post in front of over 500 people.
The Last Post is a sound that is enshrined in history and respect, and resonates with all of us deeply. However, this particular moment went deeper than most for Lucy Martin.
Lucy Martin is the Safeguarding and Welfare officer for Bishop Auckland SMJFC. And in this moment, she had the absolute certainty that the same service should be repeated the day after, for the Junior Football Club on Remembrance Sunday.
When we spoke to Lucy, it was very clear how impactful this had been for her. She was struck with the knowledge that children all over the country are simply having a 2 minute silence before a football match or wearing a Poppy , with often no real idea what it was for. Lucy knew The Last Post and its significance would be insightful for the Juniors.
Remarkably, when Lucy took this idea to Steve Coulthard- Chairman of BAFC and BASMJFC , they swung into action a very last minute plan with the full support of Ruth from SSAFA.
Bishop Auckland Juniors Really Feeling Remembrance
As Ruth arranged the SSAFA members and Harry Rose the bugle player, Lucy was contacting all of the Junior players parents and coaches along with the opposition teams to mobilise the first full Remembrance service the Juniors had ever seen.
Not only was Harry Rose once again fantastic in his role playing the bugle, absolutely everyone in attendance was floored by how much more moving it was as opposed to their traditional silence before kick off.
“Harry Rose is a cracking lad. We have to teach our kids so many things in the Juniors and one of them has to be Remembrance, we cannot let this fade out” Steve Coulthard
Several parents commented on how different it felt, this year. Lucy recounted their feedback. “Wow” “Powerful” “Unbelievable” “Brings the realisation back”
“There are 21 teams within BASMJFC and therefore a number of players have parents, grandparents or even great grandparents connected to the forces. In addition several players have gone on to serve in various roles in the armed forces” Lucy Martin
Our attention here at Terraces and Troops was drawn when we spotted a video the team posted on Twitter. And we absolutely loved it. Moving, powerful and humbling. We contacted Catherine Pearson a Director of BAFC and the Club Secretary of BASMJF who was so supportive and we thank her for her involvement in this article.
Remembrance Has Changed For Grassroots Team
You can follow BASMJFC in Twitter HERE and watch the Remembrance Ceremony HERE
Both SSAFA and Bishop Auckland JFC are always on the look our for volunteers and are very grateful for any donations or fundraising events that benefit them.
Should you wish to become involved with either of them please contact SSAFA via their WEBSITE .
Bishop Auckland Football Club can be reached HERE and the Junior Club HERE
Find out how we help to fund grassroots football by READING THIS
by Nicola Girling | Nov 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Looking for fundraising ideas for your football team?
Have you been researching football team fundraiser ideas?
There are some great articles out there with lots of brilliant ideas, and we would like to tell you about ours.
There is an alternative way to raise fund for your football team with
1- No outlay
2-No risk
3-Very minimal effort
4-Everyone associated with your club can do this. Parents/Coaches/Sponsors.
5-Can spread quickly.
6-Can be used on your website and social media.
7- You do not even need to leave the house!
8-It can be done morning or night, and is not weather dependant, and it even works while you sleep.
What Is The Fundraising Idea?
Interested? You should be. Because all of the above IS possible and it doesn’t matter if you have 1 team or 50 teams. If you have a football team in the UK then you ARE eligible.
So what is it?
We love grassroots football and the armed forces here at Terraces and Troops and we came up with a plan to help both kinds of organisations increase their income.
How?
We have developed a range of merchandise with our logo and we provide football teams and armed forces organisations to have a special personal link to our website, When someone makes a purchase from us using this link- the team gets a whopping 10% commission on sales.
You can view our current range by VISITING OUR SHOP
Once the 30 day mail order returns period is over and we know the referred customer is keeping the product- we allocate your commission.
What About The Funds We Raise?
You can either
Have it paid by bank transfer
or
Have it paid by paypal.
You can
Set an amount you want it to pay out on- eg- every time commission reaches £50 we pay out.
Or
Save it up until you have a big expense coming up.
How Do You Generate Income From This?
The links have a 30 day cookie lifespan which means if anyone visited our site using your link if they come back to our site within the 30 days then YOU STILL GET THE COMISSION.
You can put a page on your website linking to our store. Share the links on social media and even ask all your sponsors to share it on theirs.
Everyone at your club can do this and the more you share the information the more income you are likely to make.
Why Should You Come On Board?
Our products are well made, reasonably priced and this affiliate programme is only available to football teams and armed forces organisations, so you are not competing with professional affiliate marketers who have more experience with selling in this type of way.
We do the processing, posting and deal with returns or refunds. The customer deals with us directly so you have nothing more to do.
We are offering a VERY good commission rate in comparison to other merchandisers.
Our 30 day cookie policy is amazing ( Amazon gives a ONE day cookie policy)
Football and the forces are at the heart of Terraces and Troops and at the heart of many other people and companies so you will have a large potential audience.
We would not offer this package unless we felt so strongly about the qualities grassroots football instils in young people and had the utmost belief in how impactful and life changing it can be,
Why stress all year round about raising money when you can do it from your laptop or phone. Via your website, mailing list or even your twitter account.
If you decide it is no longer for you then we can simply close your account paying all commissions due to you.
We have made it as simple and easy as we possibly can.
So…are you in?
If so- CONTACT US HERE and we will get the ball rolling. (Pun intended)
