After the COVID19 lockdowns affected not only Bromley Green FC’s usual activities but took a toll on the physical, and mental health of the children who use the club, plans were introduced to improve facilities and offer additional ways to support the community.
Located in an area of deprivation, Bromley Green FC is a community club that engages with children aged four and over, especially those with disabilities. To prepare for life post-pandemic, Bromley Green FC has raised money through local fundraising and the Football Foundation for a new clubhouse and changing facilities and has engaged a trained Mental Health Champion to offer additional support to those that are still struggling.
An integral part of Bromley Green FC’s educational provision is post-16 who are offered combined opportunities for football coaching and educational development. To provide additional support Bromley Green FC wanted to open a Homework Club for approximately 25 youths and applied to Kent Community Foundation for financial assistance to buy the equipment required to make this viable.
Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said, “This was the first time we had received an application from Bromley Green FC, and we were delighted to hear of their new facilities and their plans to work with a trained mental health champion to support the children who were struggling after the effects of the pandemic. We were pleased to award them £4250, through the Frank Brake Community Fund, to purchase two televisions, a computer with in-built safeguarding a portable whiteboard with accessories, stationery and lockers for the new Homework Club and we look forward to hearing about the positive differences this has made to the young people who use it.”
Formed in 1930, Bromley Green has been through many highs and lows. The grant has given the club a boost as it prepares for the start of the new season.
Dave Homewood, Honorary Patron/Treasurer, Bromley Green FC, said, “The substantial grant support from Kent Community Foundation is already having an impact with post-16 activities [in partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust]and is proving highly popular for the surrounding district. We are looking forward to the September starts and developing the homework cohort for the growing number of children disaffected with mainstream schooling, although we must stress that our purpose will always be to support teachers and institutions with the aim of children returning to formal education in due course.”
