Community | Football Buddies initiative up-and-running

We were delighted to recently welcome our first visitors to New Meadow Park as part of the Football Buddies initiative, which is operated by Building Circles, a small local charity that we work closely alongside.

Building Circles has a core team equivalent to 4.5 full-time staff and the support of more than 75 volunteers. They work alongside adults with learning disabilities to create opportunities for friendships, meaningful experiences, and active community involvement.

“Our programmes are shaped by the people we support,” said Stacey Kitchen, Social Buddy Coordinator. “They’re designed to help individuals connect with others beyond just family or support staff, building real friendships, trying new things, and enjoying life as part of the wider community.

“The Football Buddies project is part of our wider Social Buddies programme, which matches adults with learning disabilities with volunteers who share their interests.

“The idea came to life when one of our participants approached us with a simple request; he wanted someone to go to the football with, not a carer, just a mate who loves the game as much as he does.

“Football Buddies is about more than just attending matches. It’s about forming genuine, equal friendships rooted in shared passion. The programme helps reduce isolation, builds confidence, and encourages greater independence. It also promotes mental and physical well-being by helping people feel part of something bigger, connected, included, and valued.”

The first group of participants attended our recent game against Sholing and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It has to be said that everything went brilliantly,” added Stacey. “One participant told us they couldn’t wait to go again, and another said it was a fantastic afternoon.

“The support that we have received from Gloucester City AFC has been absolutely vital. When we first advertised for volunteers, a club director, Matt Phillips, saw our post and got in touch straight away.

“His response went above and beyond what we expected, he offered free tickets, reserved seats where needed to provide familiarity, arranged accessible parking, and ensured that stewards were fully briefed to support adults with additional needs and their Buddy on matchdays.

“Just as importantly, Matt helped us promote the opportunity through the club’s social media, which led directly to volunteers coming forward, each of them sharing a genuine passion for City. That shared enthusiasm helps build natural connections and makes our participants feel welcome and included from the very start.

“Since launching, four new volunteers have come forward, with two successful matches already made, so we’re looking forward to attending more games in the not too distant future. We’re continuing to accept applications from both volunteers and participants, and we aim to grow the project gradually over the coming months. More visits are already being planned, and the excitement is building.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a kind, committed group of volunteers, people from all walks of life who simply want to give back to their community and help break down barriers for adults with learning disabilities. Their involvement helps make our communities more inclusive and welcoming, and I’m proud to be part of that.”

As part of our ongoing quest to reach out and embrace all members of our local community, we are happy to play our part in helping to bring the Football Buddies project to life and make a real difference to the lives of those involved, working closely with Building Circles, who are a real force for good locally.

One of our first guests, Peter, had this to say: “The people are really friendly and it makes my head happy to go to there. I feel so happy and want to do it again soon.

“I get on well with my buddy, he made me laugh.”

Part of the team of Football Buddies Volunteers is Chris Jones, a lifelong City fan. He got involved after spotting an appeal for volunteers on our social media channels.

“As a regular spectator, I knew it would be great to enable someone to enjoy a day at the football and also make a new friend in the process, so when I saw the appeal, I got in touch straight away,” he said. “It has been great to build a rapport with my buddy, Elliott, so that he now feels comfortable to attend matches with me.

“Seeing him get more confident with the environment, cheering on the team and enjoying his half-time burger has been fantastic to support.

“Gloucester City AFC’s involvement is hugely important in building a community of like-minded people, brought together by a love of football and supporting their local team.

“Initiatives like this are great because it makes this social experience accessible to such a wide range of people, which is what it is all about.

“I have always enjoyed attending games, especially at New Meadow Park and it’s great that the club has opened up opportunities for people like Elliott to come along and feel part of things.

“From helping with arranging tickets to parking, they have made the whole experience easy and very enjoyable for both Elliott and I. It’s exciting that the group will hopefully grow and we can have a larger community of 'Football Buddy's' supporting Gloucester City AFC.”

Do you have learning disabilities? Would you like to watch City with a Football Buddy? Or would you like to find out how to become a volunteer Football Buddy yourself? To get involved, email Stacey via: stacey@buildingcircles.org.uk