Community Catch Up: February
Welcome to Sheffield United Community Foundation’s monthly review!
Find out what’s been happening at the Foundation and what we’ve got coming up!
Saluting Our EFL Community Heroes
A group of five girls from Sheffield have been recognised as EFL Community Heroes for their work leading a groundbreaking project supporting girls navigating puberty which ensures continued engagement with sports and physical activities.
Alex, Isabella, Izzy, Ruby and Scarlett were presented with their EFL Community Heroes pennant at last week’s game against Leeds United. Their initiative included workshops, peer mentoring and resources that empowered younger girls to build confidence and resilience. The project has not only increased participation but also fostered a supportive environment ensuring every girl feels welcomed and valued. Not only have they pioneered this project, but the girls also volunteer weekly at various Foundation sessions aimed at younger girls such as Premier League Kicks and at half-term holiday camps.
Ruby said: “It’s nice to be recognised because even though the things we do might not seem massive, it might be big for some of the girls who want to get involved in football and we could be helping them get through the pathway. I know a few girls that have started football because they’ve attended camps and sessions that we do – so it’s nice to be recognised in this way.“
Read more here.
Football v Homophobia
February marks the annual initiative that aims to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels of football. Sheffield United, Sheffield United Community Foundation and Rainbow Blades are unified in our support for this important campaign as we want football to take a clear stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and that football leads the way in removing anti-LGBTIQ+ discrimination and prejudice. Learn more about the campaign here.
We spent February in schools, at camps and everywhere in between – to talk about the importance of the campaign. We’d like to thank:
- Satara Murray for her interview with the Foundation’s own Amy Hood. Watch on YouTube here.
- James Laley, founder of Rainbow Blades, for running workshops in local schools alongside Amy.
- Puma, for hosting the Foundation, Rainbow Blades and Rainbow Owls for a 5-a-side game featuring their new Rainbow Ball! Watch the video on Instagram here.
Ash Ibbotson Named Community Captain for Premier League More Than A Game Initiative
Sheffield United has named Ash Ibbotson as their Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society. During February, the Premier League and clubs celebrated ‘More Than A Game’, a campaign to highlight the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.
The Premier League is investing £1.6 billion into wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025 to support football at every level of the game across England and Wales. This world-leading funding into clubs, communities and facilities positively impacts and inspires millions of people. As part of ‘More Than A Game’, the League celebrated more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.
Ash Ibbotson has been chosen as Sheffield United’s 2025 Community Captain for his incredible commitment to his community and for Premier League Primary Stars.
On receiving the award, Ash said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be named Sheffield United’s Premier League Community Captain. Working with young people through Premier League Primary Stars has been so rewarding, and I’m proud to help inspire and support the next generation through sport. Sport has the power to change lives, and it’s amazing to see the positive impact we can have in our community.”
Read more here.
College Blades Media Pathway
Sheffield United Community College is delighted to announce the launch of a new enrichment pathway, College Blades Media, starting in September 2025. Building on the success of the existing Football, Fitness, and Esports pathways, this exciting new pathway will offer current and prospective students the opportunity to explore the media, journalism, performance analysis and content creation side of the sport/esport industries.
Delivered alongside their main Sport or Esport post-16 qualification, this pathway will provide students with hands-on opportunities, such as creating social media content, commenting on live football and esport fixtures, publishing match reports, interviewing students, and producing the Community Blades Podcast.
Read more here.
Errea Kit Competition
Congratulations to Brook House, winners of our Errea Kit Competition!
This fantastic design received a massive 55% of the vote, and will soon be manufactured for the school to use at future events and tournaments. Thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s competition, we can’t wait to see the design come to life!
Win Big with the Super Draw Lotto!
1st prize of £2,000 to be won every week, with additional prizes of 2x £250 and 10x £50!
The Super Draw Lotto costs just £1 a week to play, and by participating you’ll not only be giving yourself an opportunity of winning some of the fantastic cash prizes on offer, you’ll also be helping us support good causes in the local area.
Sign up here.
⚔️ We are honoured to receive six nominations for the upcoming Move More Awards! We appreciate the recognition for our hard working, dedicated people, that create wonderful and meaningful impact across the city.
⚔️ We hosted students from Porter Croft at Bramall Lane for Safer Internet Day.
⚔️ Best wishes to our colleague Noah Flint, who suffered a broken tibia whilst playing for Staveley MWFC. All the best in your recovery, Noah!
⚔️ Finally, congratulations to February’s honourees for Sheffield United Community College’s Squad of the Month!
