Over the last 20 months football has played a vital part in helping communities cope with the stress of the pandemic.

National League clubs and their charities have been involved in many local initiatives to help alleviate the impact of lockdown and restrictions, continuing to deliver activities and support partners through this difficult time.

Over the weekend of the 12 to 14 November, the National League Trust and the National League are celebrating their contribution.

Chester FC Community Trust was committed to being there for our community during the pandemic and taking an active role in the Covid-19 response across Chester and Cheshire West. Our work included:

• The Chester FC Community Contact Initiative provided telephone support and practical help including shopping service and prescription collections for vulnerable residents in isolation. Community Trust volunteers supported more than 600 people through the pandemic.
• The Blues Giving Back appeal supported three amazing local charities responding on the frontline: Kidsbank Chester, Share and West Cheshire Foodbank. The appeal asked the  Chester FC family and wider community to donate food, clothing, toiletries which the three charities distributed to individuals and families in need
• Supporting children who were home learning with free Chester FC themed curriculum-linked resources and digital activities. Chester FC players George Glendon and Louis Gray also took part in  interactive home learning sessions on Zoom, talking about life as a footballer and their careers with children having the opportunity to ask questions.
• Delivering treat boxes to local care homes for hardworking staff to choose from at their end of the shift to show our appreciation for their incredible work in caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Each box contained self care items such as hand cream and sweet treats as a small thank you.
• Providing high quality Covid-secure holiday provision for children and families, helping them return to sport and physical activity safely. Thanks to funding from the Welcome Network, there were subsidised places for children eligible for free school meals at these holiday clubs, who also received a healthy lunch each day.
• Giving youngsters a helping hand to keep active during the school holidays by delivering 100 home activity packs with support from the Welcome Network and Feeding Britain. Each pack contained a range of sporting equipment to encourage children and their families in getting active at home.
• Continued to support local schools with our qualified coaches delivering Covid-safe PE and physical activity.

Jim Green, CEO of the Community Trust, said: “The contribution of National League clubs to their communities through the pandemic has been quite remarkable and we are incredibly honoured to be a small part of the story.

“The National League Trust has been a great supporter of Chester FC Community Trust and as well as grant aid, provides guidance, advice and much more to club community organisations.

“It is inspiring to see the work that has been done across the country and the difference it has made to communities during the most testing of times.”