Saints in the Community news

Monday 27 March

Since we became a Trust in June last year, we have been working hard to raise our profile and to get our message out to as many people as possible. Despite our efforts however, people still say to us all the time "I never knew that the Trust did so much". We promote our Saints Kidz football sessions as much as we can to maximise our attendances but our football development activities make up less than 50% of what we do.

The ability to provide an increasing number of social benefit projects that enhance the lives of people of all ages throughout Perth and Kinross was the reason why St. Johnstone FC took the decision to convert their Community Department into a stand-along Community Trust with charitable status.

In addition to using this column to promote upcoming football development sessions and courses, we will use it to highlight these socially beneficial projects with the intention of raising awareness; alerting potential participants about what we offer and, we hope, encouraging as many people to support us in some way: possibly as a volunteer or fundraiser.

Saints Academy INclusion Through Sport

The SAINTS Project is aimed at breaking down barriers to participation for adults with learning difficulties, including autistic spectrum disorder as well as those living with mental health issues, including alcohol or substance misuse.

Supported by Perth and Kinross Council, we offer a variety of sporting activities and the Trust works with a range of local organisations to create a pathway to participation for this target group. The SAINTS football teams now participate in national Mental Health and Wellbeing Leagues against teams from all over Scotland.

SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

Falling within our LEARNING theme, the Show Racism Project involves Saints in the Community Project Staff visiting many of our local Primary Schools where older pupils take part in a workshop.

WALKING FOOTBALL

Walking Football takes place at McDiarmid every Thursday from 7pm – 8pm and provides an opportunity for men and women to benefit both physically and mentally.

FOOTBALL MEMORIES

This award-winning project provides the opportunity for men and women to get together and reminisce about games, players and goals from a time “when fitba was fitba”. Sessions take place at McDiarmid Park as well as in Blairgowrie and Crieff.

Saints Kidz HOLIDAY WEEKS

Our Easter Holiday Soccer Week will take place at McDiarmid Park from April 10 to 14, running from 1pm to 4pm each day. Soccer Weeks are designed to give you a taste of what it is like to train as a Professional Footballer. The week-long course costs £75 and each participant will receive a ticket for a Saints game as well as a full training kit. The Summer Holiday Weeks will take place from July 10 to 14 and July 24 to 28.

Soccer Weeks must be booked and paid for in advance…either online at www.saintsinthecommunity.co.uk or by submitting our registration / booking form along with payment. Get in touch for full details: 01738 459095

For information about Saints in the Community activities: www.saintsinthecommunity.co.uk