The Foundation recently hosted a roundtable discussion featuring both national and Lincolnshire leaders, ‘A National and Lincolnshire Dialogue – Exploring Football’s Role in Supporting Care-Experienced Young People’ took place at the Co-op Community Hub at the LNER Stadium, bringing together key stakeholders to explore how football can better support young people who are in, or have experienced care.
Representatives from EFL in the Community, Care Leaver Covenant, Chesterfield Community Trust and Leicester City in the Community joined local stakeholders for the session. Also in attendance was Andy Morris, head of service for leaving care at Lincolnshire County Council. The group worked collaboratively to identify gaps in current provision and consider how football can play a greater role in supporting care-experienced young people.
Morris said: “We’re truly grateful and incredibly excited that the Lincoln City Foundation is choosing to champion the needs of our children in care and care leavers. Together we can help them stay healthy, feel well, and be engaged in positive, inspiring activities."
Rosie Blackett, participation and engagement manager at the Care Leaver Covenant, added: “Together, we can be the difference. Through the Care Leaver Covenant, collaboration becomes opportunity, and opportunity becomes brighter futures. Thank you to Lincoln City FC, Lincolnshire County Council, and EFL in the Community for harnessing the universal language of football to change lives.”
The discussion also explored the broader influence football can have on young people beyond the pitch, highlighting the positive impact clubs and their associated charities can make within communities.
Debbie Cook, EFL director of community said: “We’re pleased to support Lincoln City Foundation and a wide range of dedicated partners across Lincolnshire to explore how Football can play a greater role in supporting care-experienced young people.
"The challenges these young people face are significant, but there are powerful opportunities that collaboration can unlock. Football has a unique ability to create belonging, inspire confidence, and open doors, and we are committed to working collectively to ensure that every care-experienced young person has access to the support, pathways and connections in the community that they deserve.”
Alex Bavin, director of growth at the Foundation, said: “It was brilliant to have such a constructive and focused discussion. The insights shared – particularly around what would make a difference to children in care and leaving care – were invaluable.
“The discussion highlighted both the challenges faced by families and the opportunities to do things through partnership, including how we better align provision regionally and funding to support long-term support.”