Gloucester City AFC is harnessing a recent community grant to broaden access to football for children in underserved communities. The club, competing in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South, is among the latest to receive financial support from the Trident Community Foundation (TCF), which awards grants between £1,000 and £5,000 to non-League clubs at Steps 3 and 4 to fuel community projects.
With this funding, Gloucester City is extending its ‘Kickabout’ sessions—designed for kids aged four to 11—beyond the Kingsholm area into local community green spaces. This outreach aims to reach children who previously had little or no opportunity to participate in organized sport outside school.
Since December 2020, the Trident Community Foundation has invested over £600,000 in nearly 200 community initiatives nationwide, underscoring a commitment to promote grassroots sport.
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Matthew Phillips, a director at the Gloucester City Foundation, highlighted how this grant transforms their ability to engage with the community. “The funding allows us to bring football directly into these neighborhoods rather than expecting children to come to us,” he explained. “Many of these young people have never experienced organized sport outside school until joining our sessions at Kingsholm. Traveling to football clubs and the cost of equipment can be significant barriers for families.”
Phillips emphasized that the program fosters a sense of ownership and belonging within the communities using shared public spaces. “It’s about giving something back — a space where children can play freely and families can connect.”
The initiative also carries an employability angle. Coaches are recruited from the local community, offering them valuable qualifications and job prospects. “We are not only providing opportunities for the kids but also empowering local adults to be part of the program,” Phillips added.
Ultimately, the simplicity of the ‘Kickabout’ sessions is its greatest strength. “Kids just want a chance to play, to have fun, and to do so with their friends,” said Phillips. “The sessions also bring parents and carers together, helping build friendships and a real sense of community.”