Arbroath FC Community Trust – A New Era of Togetherness
Key Highlights :
Arbroath FC Community Trust is in its’ fourth year and about to embark on a new era under newly-appointed chair Barry Valentine. Engineering manager Valentine has taken over from Shelley McCarthy and is keen to build on the ‘togetherness’ mantra that is emblazoned on the players tunnel at Gayfield. The Trust is based in a shared office space within the football department and they have the same shared vision of enhancing the lives of the people in the town.
Using the power of the badge, the Trust has already delivered a number of impactful projects – with over 75% of it non-football related. These include a community cafe offering a safe and warm space for all, the AFCCT Goals for Life programme, written by a primary school teacher, and the newly-formed Arbroath FC Women’s football team, offering an inspirational pathway to girls in the town.
Chair Valentine and Trust manager Ryan Beattie are both excited to take the next steps in a new era for the AFCCT. Valentine is originally from Arbroath and wants the future to be bright for everyone in the town. He is proud of the work that Shelley, volunteers, staff and trustees have done and hopes to align the organisation and increase the visibility of the wonderful work they do.
Beattie is keen to emphasise the close ties with the football club and the power of the badge. He also fully endorses the slogan of ‘togetherness’ and wants the Trust and the football club to work as one. The Trust has already delivered a massive football programme coming out of Covid and has seen a growth in the recreational side of football.
The newly-launched Arbroath FC Women’s football team is a great example of the Trust’s commitment to the town, offering an inspirational pathway to girls in the area. It has been set up with high standards, has its own kit and the social media posts go out on the main channel.
The Trust is also about so much more than football. They have positioned themselves at the forefront of charity work in Arbroath and are working hard to improve people’s lives. The Goals for Life programme is a great example of this, engaging with children who have additional support needs or who have challenges in their home life and getting them back into the school environment.
The Trust is also looking to the future and has more exciting work planned at its base at Seaton Park from a football and community hub perspective. With the buy-in from everyone at the club, the opportunities for growth are endless and the Trust is committed to the town and its people.
Arbroath FC Community Trust is in a new era of togetherness and is determined to enhance the lives of the people in the town. With a shared vision, the power of the badge and a commitment to the community, the Trust is set to have a bright future.
