This was due be in yesterday's programme but I thought I would share it on here to add a little festive cheer.
Inclusion and Diversity update
Firstly I would like to welcome the volunteers from Trafford South Foodbank, who do a fantastic job by helping people in crisis. Foodbanks are under tremendous pressure at the moment as they struggle to bring in donations to match the increasing demand so thank you to anyone that has made a donation today, it really will make a difference.
At half-time we will also be announcing the winners, of our Design an Alty shirt competition in partnership with our sponsors Smart Storage and Altrincham art charity, Art with a Heart. We launched this competition on non league day and invited our local young people to Design a shirt that welcomes the differences in our community. Entry forms were distributed with support from six local primary schools and Altrincham, Hale and Timperley libraries. We were overwhelmed with over 200 fantastic entries and I am proud to say that we have 3 fantastic winners, who have had their designs turned into their very own Alty FC replica shirt, thanks to Ian Senior's SK Kits.
Congratulations to our winners:
Emily Bennett aged 6
Holly Sachro aged 7
Joseph Snape aged 10
and to our Runners-up:
Zayed Elgergawy aged 5
Leo Glasspole aged 6
Reuben Snape aged 7
Yara Ali aged 7
Travis David Millar aged 10
Nicolette Anakwe-Umek aged 10
Unbelievably, its over 2 months since Non-League Day when we were 1 of 4 clubs to celebrate Fans for Diversity on behalf of Kick it Out and The Football Supporters' Federation when we launched our Inclusion Strategy.
The launch of the Inclusion Strategy though was just the beginning - we have built up a great relationship with the Altrincham and Hale Muslim Association and I was proud to be invited to their annual dinner to represent the Club and present the Chair with one of our match worn Fans for Diversity shirts. We are also supporting their Friday night football sessions with offers of coaching and equipment in partnership with The Football Supporters Federation.
On the 17th February when we play Sutton Coldfield Town the match will be designated to the Football v Homophobia campaign which exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football and we will play our part to show that the J Davidson Stadium is an inclusive place for LGBTQI supporters, players and officials.
You may have seen our new disabled shelter, in front of the main stand. This was only possible thanks to the kind support of Manchester Metalcraft Limited who constructed the frame and Manchester Glass, who supplied and fitted the Perspex. We are also working with Judy Henson, the Community Manager to develop activities for disabled people and to set-up a disability team to compete in the Cheshire Ability Counts League and with the Board looking at how we can improve the matchday experience for disabled supporters.
I’d like to give my thanks to Bill Waterson, who has been unwavering in his support for Inclusion and Diversity, Phil Parkinson for his commitment to our cause, the Social Media team of Andrew Flynn and Jack Jolly and of course Our Honorary Head of Inclusion, Jacqui Forster.
If you would like to support any of our work, get involved or want further information you can email: inclusion@altrinchamfc.co.uk or check out @AltrinchamFCInc on Twitter.