Foundation | Improving lives and making a difference

The Gloucester City AFC Foundation was established in 2024 with the main objective being to improve lives in Gloucester and the surrounding areas through football.

As we approach 12 months since our first project was launched, we can reflect upon real progress whilst also looking forward to some exciting development plans which are in the pipeline.

It was in January 2025 when our Kickabout scheme was first introduced, offering fun and inclusive free football sessions for youngsters between the age of four and 11 every Saturday morning on the Sebert Street Rec.

These sessions have become extremely popular and we have received some wonderful feedback over the course of the past year.

As well as Saturday mornings, we also run HAF camps during the summer holidays, a Friday evening Drop-In Club at Blackbridge Sports Hub and an After School Club at Kingsholm Primary School every Tuesday.

“Having coaches from Gloucester City AFC involved in our after-school activities has been amazing,” said a spokesperson for Kingsholm Primary School. “Their presence is highly valued by pupils, teachers and parents alike. The coaches bring energy, experience and passion, which really inspires the children.

“It shows them the benefits and possibilities that sport can bring. The sessions have attracted a significant mix of male and female students from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, making things inclusive and fun for everyone as well as stimulating an interest in Gloucester City AFC.

“The coaches help the youngsters build confidence, work as a team as well as enhancing their physical and communication skills, whilst also having fun!

“Having such role models to look up to is fantastic for our pupils and for the school, it’s great to have such links with the football club and wider community which it serves. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Meanwhile, ten year-old Kian signed up to our Kickabout sessions earlier this year. It’s fair to say that he hasn’t looked back since and it’s also stimulated his support for City as one of our fans of the future.

“Coming to the Kickabout sessions each Saturday is something that I look forward to all week,” he told us. “I have learned plenty of new skills and also scored plenty of goals! I’ve also made new friends who love football as much as I do.

“The coaches are really kind and skilled. I was worried when I first joined because I had never taken part in anything like this before, but Tom and his team made me feel really welcome and I have learned so much that I got selected to play for my school team, Hartpury CofE Primary, at a tournament where we came second!

“I feel really proud to be part of this and Gloucester City AFC. I like to talk about how the team is getting on and show everyone who I support! Hopefully we can get promotion this season.”

The parent of another participant, Kade, added: “My son joined in April when he spotted a flyer advertising the sessions. His footballing experience prior to that came in a development team and during PE sessions at school.

“Since joining the Kickabout sessions he has thrived. The Foundation coaches are friendly and supportive; within weeks their knowledge had improved Kade’s confidence and football skills and he continues to progress with them.

“He’s enjoying his football so much now thanks to the Foundation and looks upon the City players as heroes!”

The success of the Kickabout sessions means that we are now looking to introduce them into other local areas, amidst a whole host of exciting plans that we have in the pipeline for the year ahead.

These include weekly Walking Football sessions and activities at St. Oswalds Retirement Village, expanding our After School Clubs and working with the Gloucestershire FA, Blackbridge CCBS and Freedom Leisure to promote blood pressure awareness for NHS Gloucestershire through the Heart of the Game initiative.

This is all possible with funding from The Trident Community Foundation, Gloucester City Supporters Trust, and Gloucestershire County Council, to whom we are extremely grateful as it allows us to reach further into our local community and touch the lives of so many different people of all ages and backgrounds.

We leave the final word to this young City fan, who sums up what the Gloucester City AFC Foundation is all about.

“At weekends I sometimes go along to watch Gloucester City AFC play. It’s so exciting and I always feel so happy when I see the players and Roary the Tiger.

“Life can feel hard for me at times, but football always makes me have strength and makes me smile. I feel part of something here and amongst friends. It’s my happy place.”