Burton Albion Community Trust

WESTERN Power Distribution has agreed to show their support for community projects delivered by Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) for the following year.

By becoming a BACT Patron, Western Power Distribution has committed to donating a generous £1,000. The monies will go towards developing and supporting mainly the health and inclusion projects that we deliver in the local community.

Matt Hancock, Head of Community, said: “It’s a fantastic donation and we’re really grateful for this.

“We welcome any donations with open arms, because ultimately it helps and allows our staff to deliver to the local people.”

Western Power Distribution is the company responsible for electricity distribution in the Midlands, South West and Wales, serving over 7.9 million customers. Simon Havill, Derby Distribution Manager, said: “We’re delighted to become a patron supporter of BACT for next season.

“As a company that safely delivers reliable electricity to homes and businesses throughout Burton, we recognise our responsibility to play a full and active role in our community, supporting local charities and communities.

“BACT has a proven track record in engaging and educating communities and young people and we are proud to make a contribution towards their continued success.

If you have a power cut, you can contact Western Power Distribution for free by calling 105, tweeting @wpduk or visiting www.westernpower.co.uk. They are available 24/7 to answer calls and restore power as quickly as possible.

A NUMBER of EFL Clubs will come together this week for the official ‘Extra Time Hubs’ launch, designed to engage retired and semi-retired people and combat loneliness and inactivity.

Studies show that 42% of those over the age of 55 are inactive. EFL Trust’s own research revealed many people would like the opportunity to meet peers to feel less isolated, live well and do things they enjoy.

Launched to coincide with Loneliness Awareness Week, the Extra Time Hubs will harness the unique assets of the EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs) network to bring older people together and provide a range of activities that could benefit their physical and mental health. Activities vary from quizzes to arts and crafts and even bungee jumping!

Funded with the support of Sport England’s Active Ageing fund from the National Lottery, Hubs will initially be created at 12 CCOs across the country, harnessing the power of football in local communities. All 12 Extra Time Hubs will hold launch events at their respective grounds throughout this week.

Director of Operations at EFL Trust, Mike Evans, said: “We have a BIG ambition – an ambition to help older people to create a national movement of Extra Time Hubs that will make a positive difference to how thousands can enjoy their later years. Extra Time Hubs will enable people to decide which activities they want to do and not be prescribed for them.as well as giving people the opportunity to meet like-minded people and feel less isolated.”

Sport England’s Executive Director for Tackling Inactivity, Mike Diaper, comments: “Maintaining an active lifestyle as you grow older delivers massive health and social benefits. However, we know that you are more likely to be less active as an older person.

“Often it can feel like the barriers to getting active grow as we age but there are simple changes people can make to get active or stay active and Sport England invests National Lottery funding into projects like the EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hubs to make that happen.

 “The EFL and those working on the Hubs have taken specific care to understand the needs of the older adults taking part in their local areas to provide a fantastic service and prove that getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.”

Loneliness Minister Mims Davies, said: “Loneliness is one of the biggest health challenges our country faces and we know that getting out and making new social connections can really help people feel less isolated. ‘Extra Time Hubs’ is a fantastic project, helping older people stay active and make friends – bringing communities together through sport.”

The 12 Clubs involved in the scheme are: Bolton Wanderers, Burton Albion, Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Crawley Town, Derby County, Lincoln City, Northampton Town, Plymouth Argyle, Shrewsbury Town, Sunderland and Wigan Athletic

YOUNG Burton Albion fans are once again invited to join our junior supporters club for the 2019-20 season.

Junior Brewers provides our youngest supporters, aged 0-15 years, with the opportunity to meet first team players, have unique behind-the-scenes access and also receive discounts on a range of items within our club shop.

Membership is only £15, which includes a membership card, poster and certificate.

Throughout the season members will receive invitations to exclusive events such as the Junior Brewers Christmas Party and Easter Egg Hunt with Billy and Bettie Brewer. 

Members will also receive Christmas and birthday cards from Burton Albion FC, whilst being able to enter competitions with exciting prizes to be won!

Full details on the 2019-20 Junior Brewers package can be found by clicking here, including a downloadable form which, once completed, can be returned to the club shop. Pre-printed leaflets are also available in the club shop. 

Billy and Bettie Brewer look forward to welcoming our 2019-20 Junior Brewers!

TO DOWNLOAD THE MEMBERSHIP FORM AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

A PARTNERSHIP between Burton Albion and the Makki Masjid Trust was celebrated at the Pirelli Stadium last week following recent months of working closely together.

The evening, which featured a culmination of workshops and activities at the home of the Brewers, was lead by staff from Burton Albion Community Trust and Makki Masjid Trust. The Makki Masjid Trust aims to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of persons from ethnic minorities in Burton on Trent and surrounding areas. In particular by the relief of poverty, promotion of health, provision and advancement of education and the provision of facilities for recreation.

The night saw the first ever official Iftar (break of the fast) that the Pirelli Stadium has hosted, as well as a Ramadan Tournament which over 65 players participated in.

John Widdowson, Community Operations Manager, said: “The meal Saturday had a real community feel about it and was supported by families from Makki Masjid Trust, Crescent Learning Centre, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire FA and Burton Albion.

“A special thanks must also go to the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and Premier League Charitable Fund whose support has helped us bring communities together through the power of sport.”

For any more information please get in touch with BACT on 01283 246207 or by email bact@burtonalbionct.org 

SIXTEEN volunteers have visited the African country of Ghana, as part of an annual trip to represent the work that Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) delivers in it’s own local community.

The volunteers visited Woe, a deprived rural area on the Southern coast of Ghana for 11 days. Whilst out there, they would teach local school children, as well as renovating in a rural primary school in partnership with African Adventures.

This is the sixth year that BACT have now travelled to Africa and have continued to grow the relationship with representatives from the countries. 16 suitcases of clothing, shoes, sanitary products, books and toys were all taken to Ghana, as part of providing supplies and strengthening the relationship.

This years volunteers got to see the new library that was built in the previous year by BACT volunteers, as well as the school staff and children who crowded round the group as soon as they departed the mini bus on arrival.

The volunteers were introduced to the school staff before being split into two groups, with one going off to teach in classroom and the other making building blocks. Lee Milligan, Events and Partnerships Officer, who coordinated the trip, said: “Mixing sand and cement in 40 degree heat was a real test for some and very energy sapping. Those that were teaching came up with some really innovative ways of engaging pupils and getting them involved, this was needed as not all children can speak English as a second language.

“After the first four days, the school finished for the Easter weekend and our group had completed over 20 lessons and made 300 building blocks. Considering everyone was out of their usual comfort zone and combining this with the heat, they continued to do their best for the children.

“We visited a few very rural communities with little or no access to clean water which was a real shock to see. The volunteers used this opportunity to distribute a lot of the various donations taken in the suitcases, as these villages are off the beaten track and rarely visited. The look on the villagers faces as we were walking around with our donations bought a tear to the eye and they were so grateful that we had come to see them. Seeing where they get their water from and realising it’s the only source of water for cooking and cleaning, let alone drinking, was a shock to see for all of the group.”

As part of a built-up partnership and commitment to a local womens football team (who are the regional champions), staff participated in an arranged football tournament in which trophies, footballs and playing kit were provided by BACT. The trip then ended with some much needed relaxation time on the beach, before returning back to the UK.

A huge thank you goes to all of the volunteers and sponsors for this years trip. This support is invaluable, not only to the communities we impact In Ghana but also to the work we deliver within Burton and the surrounding areas.

If you would like to take part or would like to find out more information about next years trip to Ghana during Easter 2020, click here  or contact Lee Milligan on lee.milligan@burtonalbionct.org for more details.

The EFL Trust has today launched a new partnership with Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) to help tackle the increasing number of people risking their lives on the railway.

Burton Albion will be part of the project that will help to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of the railway network to young people.

New figures released today reveal over 250 incidents a week have been recorded by people taking risks on the railway – taking short-cuts, capturing photos and even ‘train surfing’ – sometimes with tragic consequences. Young people (under 18s) make up one of the largest categories, responsible for a third of all cases.

All 72 EFL Clubs will be involved in the campaign with activity ranging from social media posts to player messages.  Clubs who are within the trespass incident hot spot will run workshops in their local communities.

Allan Spence, head of passenger & public safety at Network Rail, said: “Children, and adults alike, continue to risk their lives by stepping out onto the track and it has to stop. Every day we see almost 40 incidents and each one could be a potential catastrophe leading to life-changing injuries or even death.”

The ‘You vs. Train’ campaign launched last year by the rail industry and British Transport Police saw incidents involving children reduce by 12%, but this vulnerable group continue to be at high risk. Responding to the continued problem, the industry’s railway trespass group has this year launched a new phase of the You vs. Train campaign, forming partnerships with the EFL Trust & StreetGames to drive the rail safety message directly to this hard-to-reach group.

At the heart of the issue is a lack of understanding and awareness of the risks. Research undertaken amongst teenagers last year found that, while most are aware that the railway is a dangerous place, most of them don’t realise quite how dangerous it is or the specific dangers they face when they step on the track.

Mike Evans, Director of Operations at The EFL Trust, said: “Bringing about positive change in the community is at the very core of The EFL Trust’s values. Football can be an enormous force for good and have a profoundly positive impact on communities – so we are looking forward to helping tackle this issue in those areas where children and young people are particularly vulnerable.”

A new film highlighting the hidden dangers of the railway has been launched across social media alongside new content telling the story of Tom – a young boy who suffered life-changing injuries in 2014 when he was electrocuted by the overhead power cables – and his family, to illustrate the life-changing impact that the accident has had on them.

To watch the new video and find out how to keep young people safe on the railway visit: www.YouVsTrain.co.uk.

 

BURTON Albion Community Trust (BACT) has received a donation of £750 following a five-month partnership with Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers offer free valuations at the Burton Albion Community Football Centre, at the Pirelli Stadium, between 10am-11am every Thursday, with a proceed of takings from Auction going to BACT.

The firm, who are based at The Lichfield Auction Centre off Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, are now focusing on their next fundraising target for BACT. Richard Winterton, said: “Raising £750 in the first quarter is great and the aim is to raise £3000, so we’re well on track to hit that.

“We firmly believe in helping out BACT, as we feel it’s very important to Burton upon Trent, which is where we started from ourselves.

“It’s a grower and we urge people to come down and leave their stuff with us, to potentially help them to make some money from it. We then take commission to cover our costs and then the rest goes towards BACT.

Matt Hancock, Head of Community, said: “The partnership is something that we’re very proud of and long may it continue. We’re grateful to Richard and his team for all of their help.

“It’s an incredible amount of monies raised so far, and we’re delighted to be able recycle these funds by using them back in the local community.

Please head over to www.richardwinterton.co.uk for any further information.

MORE than 100 Brewers fans attended the first Teammates night at the Pirelli Stadium hosted by former player and BACT coach, Aaron Webster.

Webster was joined by his old playing colleagues Darren Stride and Christian Moore for an evening of chat and humour looking back on the Brewers rise from non-league to the Football League.

Darren Stride played for The Brewers for 17 years from 1993 to 2010 and as captain led the club to the first league titles in the club’s history. Stride is the club’s record appearance holder having played for the Brewers 654 times and he scored more than 100 goals.

Christian Moore is another former Brewers fans’ favourite, who made 138 appearances across three spells playing as a striker, scoring 71 goals.

Chairman Ben Robinson was among those in the audience and Nigel Clough sent a video message which was played on the night.

Stride and Moore explained what it was like to play under Clough and about the great team spirit that enabled the club to be successful.

They also picked the best Burton Albion XI from the teammates they played alongside.

Aaron Webster said: “It was a great evening and everyone really enjoyed looking back on some great times at Burton Albion.

“I’m looking forward to hosting more Teammates events in the future at the Pirelli Stadium.”

Proceeds from the evening will go towards funding Burton Albion Community Trust projects.

YOUNGSTER Ben Fox’s dedication to bringing a smile to people’s faces and making a difference to the local community has been recognised by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Fox has been awarded with the PFA Community Player of the Year award for 2018/19 due to his commitment to bring the club and community together through his work with Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT).

The Brewers fans favourite was presented with the award by BACT Chairman John Jackson, prior to Good Friday’s home fixture against Portsmouth. He has now been involved in community work with BACT since he signed his first professional contract in 2016 and has always been a bright spark regardless of the situation. His enthusiasm both on and off the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Matt Hancock, Head of Community, said: “Ben’s been a joy to work with once again this season and was a standout candidate to win the award.

“He’s gone above and beyond this season and he has a real affinity with the fans, who are all aware of how committed he’s been to the work that we do.

Sam Wheeler, whose three children are participants at BACT programmes, said: “My family first met Ben at my eldest son’s disability session, Able Too Albion. I was pleasantly surprised at how a young player seemed so at ease at interacting with all of the children and how he approached the sessions with so much enthusiasm.

“We then met him again at a Junior Brewers party where he recognised us and spent some time chatting to Connor, who always struggles to get involved at these events. He also spent some time chatting to me about Connor’s difficulties and wellbeing.

“Given that there were a lot of people there wanting to chat with the players, it meant a lot to both me and Connor that he has taken the time to ensure Connor always felt involved and happy. He also made a point of finding Connor to say goodbye when he was leaving, which made Connor feel very special (although he would never admit this).

“Ben is now a family favourite and I am delighted to hear that he has been justifiably nominated to win a community award.”

Following receiving the award, Fox said: “I love helping out and giving back to the local community. Playing for my local club obviously means a lot to me and being able to give something back to the area that I spent a lot of time growing up in is amazing. The work that the club does in the community is fantastic and I’m proud to be a part of it!”

RAYGAR has donated a cheque to Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) following a generous bid at a charity auction raffle.

The prize, a signed Burton Albion shirt by manager Nigel Clough and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, went to auction at BACT’s charity ‘Eddie the Eagle’ event last month.

Managing Director, Ray Garlick, kindly bid £1,000 to take home the unique auction prize following Burton Albions fantastic journey to the Carabao Cup Semi Final, with the proceeds helping to assist the seventeen volunteers that will travel to Ghana representing BACT.

Raygar Architectural & Engineering Supplies Ltd is an independent supplier of ironmongery, tools and fixings based in Derby and already support Burton Albion Football Club and Academy.

Ray Garlick, Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted to receive this once in a lifetime piece of memorabilia, but to also know that the funds will go towards a very worthy cause.”

“I’d like to wish the team all the best and I’m sure that they’re all going to have the experience of a lifetime.”

Matt Hancock, Head of Community, said “Ray continues to support BACT and Burton Albion FC whole heartedly and this is another example of his generosity. The funds raised on the evening topped over £3000 and this is going to make a huge difference both in Ghana but also on projects locally.”