At a time where we all need to pull together and help the most vulnerable in our communities get through these difficult times, once again our Community Football Clubs prove how big a part they can play in that role. Not able to provide the usual opportunities of keeping members fit with activity, some have turned their attention to supporting people off the pitch in their communities.

Stenhousemuir FC instigated their Community Help Initiative within hours of football closing down and immediately sprang into action in support of people from Stenhousemuir, Larbert, Carron, Carronshore and Airth areas. The club have a huge 110 (and counting) volunteer workforce providing support to families in and around their town, by offering services such as collecting shopping, dog walking, delivering prescriptions, collection and delivery of free school meals and recently extending this to support for NHS Workers at the nearby Forth Valley Hospital. The club also donated £70 worth of polypropylene sheets which helped in the creation of 300 visors of protective equipment for NHS staff.

Chairman Iain McMenemy commented: “Many of those who have helped have made particular mention of our Community Help Initiative. Whilst we are grateful that people want to support us because we are supporting our community, that wasn’t the reason we set this up. We just felt it was the best way the Club could help during a time of national need. The Initiative continues to grow and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has volunteered. Just yesterday we hit an important milestone of having over 100 people signed up as volunteers. They are out helping lots of people in our communities and I know how much this is appreciated”.

Cumbernauld Colts FC have also responded to the needs in their community by creating a Community Action Initiative. All delivered by volunteers, this has helped support the town with Foodbank deliveries and collections, a helpline, prescriptions delivery service and the creation of ‘Colts in the Community Fighting Fund’. The Club are collecting Donations for ‘Clyde Cash For Kids’ and their own local action plan with 100% of money collected going towards providing support for those who need it at this difficult time.

You can contribute to their ‘Fighting Fund’ here.

Bo’ness United CFC have created a range of Community Engagement initiatives dedicated to different sectors of their community. Their club Mascot Leo has been busiest putting out videos with various positive messages for the younger players whilst the club have encouraged members to check in on older and potentially vulnerable people with the occasional phone call.

North Lanarkshire clubs Holytown Colts FC and Coatbridge Rovers FC are also both doing their bit locally by supporting their community with a Community Support Line and delivery services – offering help with essentials, finances and promoting positive mental health.

Holytown Colts FC would like to offer help to their community during these difficult times. They have set up a helpline number so that anyone who is struggling for food or daily essentials for either themselves or their family/friends can contact in the strictest of confidence. The confidential contact number is 07983524172.

Coatbridge Rovers are continuing to help people in the community on a daily basis. They have a team of great volunteers available and if anyone is needing any support then please get in contact via 07305880766 or email: Coatbridgeroversfc@outlook.com

If your club are helping in your community let us know by emailing central@scottishfa.co.uk so we can help to share your great work.