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TRUST MAKE SHORTLIST OF MORE THAN FOOTBALL AWARD

Saints in the Community are delighted to announce our Saints Academy INclusion Through Sports (SAINTS) project has been selected for the EFDN More than Football Award 2023 shortlist!

The long awaited More than Football Award shortlist was announced by the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) on Friday which saw the Community Trust’s Saints Academy INclusion Through Sport (SAINTS) project nominated alongside three other clubs and their respective projects being carried out throughout Europe.

“It was a big shock, but it’s such a fantastic achievement for Saints in the Community to be selected for the final four. When we present in Athens, we will try to give the best account of our work in the community to win this award for the people of Perth & Kinross" - Francis Smith, Trust CEO.

The EFDN unites European football and aims to gather professional football organisations together to utilise the power of football as a tool for social development. The More than Football Award presents an opportunity to showcase and honour the best community and social responsibility projects currently being implemented by Clubs, Leagues, or FA throughout Europe. This year’s award provides the winner with not only the recognition of providing the most innovative and impactful community project throughout Europe but also provides a club branded mini pitch for use throughout the community.

“It would be absolutely fantastic for the community in so many different ways. A mini-pitch would offer a meeting place for different people to come, people of all ages and backgrounds, that they can exercise, socialise and get together.” – Brian Leishman, Councillor

SAINTS is a project which has grown over a 12-year period. Initially starting as a Mental Health & Wellbeing Football support provision, the project has developed to include support for adults with learning disabilities and students with additional support needs and was awarded the Scottish FA’s Best Para-Football Project in 2021. Since then, the project has expanded to support children & young people with Autism and children & young people with ADHD by offering a variety of sporting activities alongside working with a range of local organisations to create a pathway to participation for the target groups.

Community Trust CEO, Francis Smith, and Football & Projects Delivery Officer, Josh Henderson, will now travel to Athens in November to attend the 20th EFDN ‘Making Football Matter’ Conference where they have been invited to make a 15-minute presentation of our SAINTS Academy project.

We feature on the shortlist alongside three other clubs and their respective projects and extend our congratulations to our fellow nominees:

  • FC Midtjylland
  • Fundacja Legii or Legia Warszawa
  • KRC Genk

The winner will be announced during the More than Football Award 2023 Gala on Tuesday, November 14th, voted for by the attending EFDN members.

Keep your fingers crossed for us!