Community Catch Up: October 2025
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!
College Fundraiser Success
A huge congratulations to our Sheffield United Community College students and staff for completing an incredible 30-mile walk in aid of Support Dogs!
More than 80 participants took on the 12-hour challenge, starting at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium, passing through Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York Stadium, continuing to Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium, and finishing at Bramall Lane later that evening.
This year, the College aimed to surpass last year’s £3,000 fundraising total for Young Minds, and thanks to the amazing backing from our local community, the team raised an outstanding £7,466 for Support Dogs!
These funds will help the charity provide essential assistance to people living with autism, epilepsy, and physical disabilities – transforming lives by offering greater confidence, independence, and security every day.
Tess Thompson, Community Fundraising Manager at Support Dogs said: “On behalf of everyone at Support Dogs we would like to send you a big thank you for your support to our charity and your wonderful fundraising! Your incredible total of £7,466 will go a long way to support our mission to train and provide life-saving assistance dogs to children and adults affected by challenging, long-term conditions. Your huge walking challenge was epic, especially in the October weather and you were all still cheerful at the end!”
The College is also now accepting applications for 2026–27! Whether you’re passionate about sport or esport, we’ve got the programme for you. Explore our courses and register your interest today!
Belonging Cup
We were thrilled to be a part of Football United, Racism Divides’ Belonging Cup!
The annual event sees communities come together with a shared goal of connecting through sport, and most of all, having fun. Thanks to FURD for putting on a fantastic event and we’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament.
Breaking Barriers in Football: Inclusive Sessions Support LGBTQ+ Players
Sheffield United Community Foundation, in partnership with Sheffield United’s official LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Blades, has been delivering inclusive sessions in the city.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with finding a welcoming sporting atmosphere, and we’ve worked with Rainbow Blades to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to enjoy the beautiful game. In the past, many people have felt excluded from activities like football due to a range of reasons – from gender identity and sexuality, to simply not feeling like they fit in. This session gives all people, no matter their background, the opportunity to play football without fear of judgement or discrimination.
So far, the sessions have attracted a diverse group of participants, from seasoned players to those returning to football after years away, all united by a shared desire to reconnect with football in a welcoming environment.
Read more here.
Blades Visit Football Camps!
It was our pleasure to host Sheffield United men’s first team players at our Football Camps last week!
Thanks to Callum O’Hare, Chiedozie Ogbene, Japhet Tanganga, Louie Barry, Mark McGuinness, Michael Cooper, Sam McCallum, Tahith Chong, Tom Davies & Tyler Bindon for taking time out of their busy schedules to have a kickabout and spread some joy!
Smart Meters
We’ve been working with local communities to help them take charge of their energy use and reduce costs. Through the Smart Energy GB programme, our team has been sharing practical advice on using energy more wisely.
From learning how smart meters work to discovering simple money-saving habits, we’re supporting programme members to manage their energy bills with greater ease.
Find out more here.
Ecclesall Primary Triumph in Utilita Kids Cup!
Congratulations to Ecclesall Primary, winners of the EFL Utilita Kids Cup!
The school will now go on to represent the Foundation at the regional stage in the new year. We had an amazing turnout at Leisure United Westfield with 20 teams and over 150 kids taking part in the tournament.
Thanks everyone for coming!
⚔️ Support The George Baldock Foundation! Tickets are now available for their fundraiser ball at Stadium MK on Saturday 15th November, supporting football club charities running camps for disadvantaged children. Book your tickets or make a donation today here.
⚔️ Working in collaboration with the Department for Work & Pensions, the Foundation’s Youth Hub recently hosted an Autumn Jobs Fair. Held at Bramall Lane, 20 employers were showcased with training providers also on hand to give advice to our customers. Jobs Fairs offer an ideal opportunity for Universal Credit recipients to network and investigate the opportunities available to them. Regular attendees such as Daisy Group, Street League, and PA Register were joined by the likes of Yard Ball, Everyone Active, Stagecoach, Radius Aerospace and FGH Security to appeal to a wide range of employment interests. We had nearly 200 customers attend, and feedback has been very positive! Many thanks to everyone who helped and to those who attended.
⚔️ Premier League Primary Stars: Take a look at how our Footy Phonics sessions have been going at Carfield Primary!
⚔️ Come and work for us! We’re looking for:
- A Marketing and Communications Officer to deliver impactful, engaging, and consistent communications to promote the Foundation’s programmes, partnerships, and community initiatives.
- An Employability and Skills Advisor to work for our award-winning Youth Hub.
⚔️ Finally, congratulations to our outstanding Community College students!
