Following on from the huge success of their Sporting Memories programme, Ospreys in the Community have teamed up with Swansea City AFC Community Trust to launch a brand-new “In the Squad” project.
After securing funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Ospreys and Swansea City will use the power of sport and their brands to engage with veterans across the community. They will work to bring them together to share memories, re-connect and improve and maintain their physical and mental health as part of the programme.
We will deliver sport and fitness activities based around football and rugby, including walking football and rugby, once a week at local venues. As well as keeping active physically, the team will encourage attendees to socialise by offering tea and toast in a “veteran-friendly” environment, supporting wellbeing and combating social isolation.
In addition, veterans will be given training in areas such as first aid, safeguarding, coaching and mental health first aid with the aim that, by the end of the project, they will be in a position to manage and run their own sessions.
Participants are advised that these sessions will be delivered in accordance with the latest social distancing guidelines.
Both organisations already have close working relationships with mental health charity Hafal and other charities in the area and are now really excited to be extending their network to work with veterans’ charities and CICs to ensure clear pathways in and out of the service.
Speaking about the new launch, Community Foundation Manager, Tom Sloane said: “It’s great to team up with Swansea City’s Community Trust for the first time for this brand-new project. We’ve seen a huge success in our Sporting Memories projects and the impact its had on individuals and their families. Sport and it’s values are proven to bring people together, help combat stress, anxiety and we’re delighted to bring two fantastic organisations together to support our community and local veterans.”