Trust vice chair Mike Spear (4th left) and Trust member David Craig (2nd left) pictured with the match officials before the Doncaster Rovers match
Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust’s foodbank collection was one of six organisations to benefit from an initiative this Christmas between Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) and the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
Match officials donated food and toys in some cases to supporter-led initiatives at six clubs across the country. Three drop-offs took place over last weekend at Cardiff City, West Ham United and Walsall, with another three scheduled at Everton, Newcastle United and Ipswich Town during the final match round before Christmas.
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor said: “Christmas is a time for everyone to come together and, as a group of match officials, we wanted to give back and support people over the festive period through the football family. Our game has the power to unite people in many ways and it’s a privilege for us as officials to play a small part in that. ”
In Cardiff, where officials delivered items to the Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust Foodbank, Board member Phillip Nifield highlighted the partnership’s value: “These donations make a meaningful difference to families across the Rhondda Valleys and having match officials involved further strengthens the bond between football and our communities.”
Jane Hughes, EFL Network Manager at the FSA, said: “Supporter-run foodbanks are rooted in their communities and this project shows football at its best – the game uniting to support those who need it most.”