The High Sheriff of Shropshire, Selina Graham, paid a visit to The New Saints FC earlier this week to learn more about the inspiring work carried out by the club’s charitable arm, The New Saints FC Foundation.
The Saints welcomed the High Sheriff to Park Hall to discuss the wider activity the Foundation carries out in north-west Shropshire and how the club plays an active role in the sport and education sector.
The New Saints FC Foundation is a charitable organisation that engages with young people across north-west Shropshire to provide positive, sustainable football, sports and educational activities for young people. The Foundation’s involvement extends across many areas including education, health, social inclusion and equality, underlining the commitment to have a positive impact and make a difference to the lives of people within Oswestry and the surrounding area.
The High Sheriff was notably impressed by the vast array of activities on offer to local children and headed down to view one of the free half-term holiday clubs the club are currently hosting. Furthermore, the Foundation shared details of partnerships they have with local organisations such as Town and Parish Councils and Street Games UK, which further highlights the work being achieved in the local community.
Reflecting on her visit, the High Sherriff of Shropshire, Selina Graham, said:
“I could easily have stayed past my welcome! The Foundation are doing everything that I love, and they are doing it so well.
“It was amazing to see around the stadium and I can see that the plans for an additional 1,600 seats will be a huge improvement and hopefully help to bring in an ever-increasing crowd.
“I was so happy to see one of the Foundation’s half-term clubs in action with such a great turnout, with everyone having such a great time. It was just what childhood should be about, everyone running around in the sunshine with their friends.”
Speaking following the High Sheriff’s visit, The New Saints FC Foundation Manager, Gill Jones, said:
“It was a real privilege to welcome the High Sheriff of Shropshire to our home earlier this week. To be able to share some of the valuable initiatives we carry out across our local community was an amazing opportunity and one we are really grateful for.
“We are extremely passionate about everything we do and it is great to provide such positive initiatives to young people across North-West Shropshire. It is fantastic to have Selina’s support for the club’s success both on and off the field.”