Pitching In Southern League Division One South outfit, Malvern Town FC, are a club that truly understands its position within the heart of its local community.
The former dressing room block at their HDANYWHERE Community Stadium home has been converted into a Community Hub, from where activities take place on a daily basis, embracing and impacting the lives of local people of all ages and backgrounds.
“It’s important for us to be a community pillar,” said Chair, Chris Pinder, who has overseen a huge transformation of the club over the past decade. “We want to be seen as a big positive for local residents, whilst at the same time improving the health and mental well-being of the community.
“We have worked hard to create an all-inclusive and welcoming environment; the scope of activities is wide-ranging and far-reaching, from increasing participation in football across different age groups and abilities, to working with those in the over-50 age bracket to reduce social isolation and increase community spirit.
“There is also the educational aspect, working with various community groups to teach new skills or brush up on existing skillsets.
“Ultimately, it’s all about increasing the visibility of the football club, stimulating a sense of local pride, encouraging healthier lifestyles for everyone and generally helping wherever we can.”
With the 3G surface, which was installed in 2019, being used by youngsters from the age of five through the Mini Hillsiders up to veterans’ football, there are also a plethora of other non-football groups that take place throughout the week.
Clubhouse Manager and Community Builder, Dana Hughes outlines a typical week at the club, which is nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills.
“On Mondays we host a Community Craft Group,” she said. “It’s a free course, funded by Worcestershire County Council adult learning, that includes activities such as crochet, knitting and screen printing.
“Wednesday afternoons we have our Seated Exercise Group and Senior Club, which has become increasingly popular. After the exercise class has finished, participants have an opportunity to have a chat over tea and biscuits, take part in our quiz and have a game of cards or play board games.
“We run a Help Centre each Thursday that consists of different prescribers being in attendance each week to help local residents with any problems that they may have, such as debt, housing, utility bills, looking for work and updating their CVs.
“There are also ten laptops on site which are available for the community to use to get online.
“Our Walking Club also takes place on Thursday afternoons, during which time they take part in litter picks around the local area.
“Every Friday we host our Charity Bingo Night; Jan is our bingo caller, she’s in her 80s and has raised so much money for various charities over the years. We also have various auctions and raffles during the evening.
“On top of this we also have our Community Fridge with food donated by our local Aldi store, monthly Charity Coffee Mornings, Youth Club, Darts team and events such as Psychic Nights, Sporting Dinners, Discos and live bands.”
Speaking to some of the participants, it’s clear how much of an impact the club is having on their lives.
“I attend the Craft Group and it has really helped me with socialising,” said one attendee. “I live alone and have made some really good friendships here. Everyone is friendly and helpful and that makes us feel at ease as soon as we arrive.”
“I look forward to Wednesday afternoons,” added another. “The Seated Exercise Group has helped me get a bit fitter and enjoy the company of others. Since my wife passed away, I found it hard to get back ‘out there’, but this group has helped me massively and now I go out and volunteer at other groups.”
“We love coming here on a Thursday morning,” continued another participant. “Nothing is too much trouble and it really is a lifeline for us.”
Community Immersion is something that the Pitching In Southern League is keen to promote and showcase amongst its member clubs.
“Clubs that engage with, and become immersed in, the local community can reap many benefits,” added Southern League Diversity Director, Stephen Hyde. “Simply raising local awareness of the club's existence can have a positive financial impact, often with very little outlay.
"Clubs need to self-publicise more and make everyone aware of the impact they have within their local community.
“Malvern Town FC is a perfect example that showcases the benefits that can be achieved by opening up club facilities to the local community.
“I'm sure other clubs have similar schemes and it would be great for us as a League to be able to share best practice and shine a light on the great work that goes on, sometimes with little or no recognition, within the local communities of our clubs.”
If your club is leading the way in your community, please get in touch with the Southern League Diversity Director, Stephen Hyde, via the details below.
For all ED&I communications relating to the Southern League, and to share your story for publication here on the website, please email: sfl.diversity@gmail.com SEND EMAIL
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