All 72 EFL Clubs will come together on the same day for the EFL’s Day of Action to demonstrate the positive impact football can have in changing young people’s lives.
From Plymouth to Peterborough and Sunderland to Southend, on Tuesday 20 March EFL Clubs across all three divisions will showcase the innovative and ground-breaking work they do for young people in tackling some of the biggest issues in society across education, health, community inclusion and participation.
Managers and players from the EFL’s 72 Clubs will be attending events up and down the country including projects that target mental health, disability and obesity.
Here in Carlisle, five players, led by Community Player of the Year Luke Joyce, will be heading to Jigsaw Hospice to help the staff and children at the facility with some painting and odd jobs.
A group of three first team members will be taking part in the Mental Health and Walking Football sessions, and four lads are heading off to Scotby School to take part in the afternoon CST curriculum session.
The remainder of the squad – 14 players – are off to Cumwhinton School where they’ll be taking part in a wide variety of activities and projects as they get split into groups to join the children for their afternoon lessons.
And to round things we’ll be holding our annual CST awards event later that day where participants from all of our community outreach programmes are recognised for their efforts and dedication.
There is plenty of activity being held by other League Two Clubs, with Cambridge United showcasing their Enterprise Project, an innovative new programme designed to help secondary school students develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills.
School children in Lincoln will be running the Sport Relief Mile around the pitch at Cecil Park alongside players from the Club to raise money for the charity.
EFL Chairman, Ian Lenagan said: “Football continues to support its communities seven days a week, 365 days a year through our unique network of Club community trusts.
“Bringing all 72 together on one day for the EFL Day of Action highlights the special role the EFL has in society and our collective ability to make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of millions of people.
“It is fantastic to see so many managers and players across England and Wales coming out in support of the excellent work being undertaken by their own Club right in the heart of their own community.
“There are few sporting organisations that can deliver the scale of innovative and ground-breaking activity we do via our network of Clubs across so many important areas, including inclusion, charitable causes, community engagement, education or health.”