The first round of funds given by the new Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund will help communities throughout England and Wales, totaling more than £600,000.
More than 60 EFL teams will get critical financial support for programs ranging from addressing isolation and loneliness to enhancing fitness and mental health, expanding sports engagement, and investing in better football infrastructure in the local region.
Sky Bet introduced the Building Foundations Fund last year, agreeing to contribute £6 million over six years as part of its record title partnership agreement with the EFL. A panel, including talkSPORT Breakfast Show presenter and Sky Bet ambassador Jeff Stelling, evaluates the proposals.
To kickstart the fund.
From 2023 to 2024, each EFL Club Community Organisation (CCO) was awarded an initial £10,000 to invest in continuing programming or establish new community projects.
According to the awards announced today, Leeds United will increase funding for its ‘Social Goals’ programme to combat isolation among the over-50s, Morecambe will purchase equipment to run health and fitness sessions for local communities, and Wycombe Wanderers will fund a Level 1 coaching course aimed at upskilling and reintegrating Aylesbury Prison prisoners into society.
Sunderland will be able to continue its ‘Wear Together’ initiative, which aims to raise exercise levels in those over the age of 55, while Crewe Alexandra will increase weekly football sessions held by the club for East European migrants and African asylum seekers.
Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community, stated: “The investment offered by Sky Bet not only complements the fantastic work currently being done by our clubs in the community, but also leaves a legacy that will remain for years to come.
“This commitment from Sky Bet puts a light on the breadth and depth of football’s involvement in all of our communities and exposes the inspiring tales of the local community people who benefit from these projects .”
