A NEW South Yorkshire-wide initiative bringing together the region’s professional football club charities has been launched.
The We Are United scheme hopes to strengthen community cohesion, tackle isolation and improve health and wellbeing.
Alongside weekly activity, the programme will host South Yorkshire United wellbeing days, rotating between club venues across the county.
These monthly events will bring participants together from different communities, encourage confidence in independent travel and reinforce football clubs as open, safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.
The initiative is funded through the EFL in the Community Catalyst Fund, with additional support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
James Cooke, head of participation and inclusion at Barnsley FC Community Trust, said: “At Barnsley FC Community Trust, we’re proud to be part of a South Yorkshire-wide partnership that is tackling isolation, health inequalities and social division head-on.
“By using the power of football, we aim to bring communities together, encouraging greater participation in sport, physical activity and social events.
“As a result, reducing isolation, strengthening community cohesion and support positive wellbeing across Barnsley.
“This project reflects our commitment to inclusion and participation developing stronger, more resilient communities across South Yorkshire.”
