As we bid farewell to 2023, Notts County Foundation takes a moment to reflect on a year filled with triumphs, challenges, and heartfelt moments that have defined our commitment to community.
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Highs and Lows of 2023
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A message from our leaders
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Commitment to our community for 2024
New Fitness Programmes Stepping into the Spotlight
In 2023, Notts County Foundation introduced new fitness initiatives designed to foster physical and mental wellbeing within our community. Among these, ‘Added Time‘ emerged as a beacon of support for men’s mental health, acknowledging the importance of addressing mental wellbeing alongside physical activity. The ‘Foundation Friends – Sponsored by Trent Navigation‘ group fitness sessions brought individuals together for a shared journey towards better health. Additionally, the ‘Sport without Borders‘ initiative extended a warm welcome to refugees, using sports as a universal language to build connections and promote integration.
In Loving Memory of Chloe Gibson
The year was not without its sorrows, as the Notts County Foundation family bid a heart-breaking farewell to Chloe Gibson, a beloved staff member who lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Prior to her passing, the Foundation rallied together, raising an impressive £2,545 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Chloe’s spirit lives on in the shared grief that brought the team closer, demonstrating the strength that comes from unity.
Community Days that Captivated Hearts
Two standout events of the year were our Community Day events in March and December. The March event drew over 1500 attendees, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. The Christmas Community Day at Meadow Lane brought festive joy to the hearts of many, spreading the holiday spirit and reinforcing the Foundation’s role as a pillar of support in the community.
Wembley Glory and Promotion
A crowning achievement for both Notts County and the Foundation was the exhilarating win at Wembley Stadium, securing promotion from the National League to Sky Bet League Two. This triumph, following a challenging season, ignited a sense of pride and celebration among Foundation staff who were in attendance at the Stadium. The increased funding that accompanied promotion allowed the Foundation to expand its community impact, reaching even greater heights in service to the community.
Gala Dinner: A Night of Recognition
October saw Notts County Foundation host a Gala Dinner, a glamorous affair held at the prestigious 1862 Suite at Meadow Lane, and was graced by a star-studded show, featuring former professional footballer Jason Lee, Notts County Women’s Captain Holly Fowler, and Vicky McClure’s ‘Our Dementia Choir.’ This evening served as a celebration of the Foundation’s tireless work and the impact it has on the community. It was a moment to acknowledge the dedication of the team and the invaluable support received from partners, volunteers, and the community.
EFL Week of Action: A Showcase of Community Commitment
Participating in the EFL Week of Action, Notts County Foundation welcomed players David McGoldrick and Tobi Adebayo-Rowling into schools and sports sessions in the city. This engagement not only provided inspiration but also underlined the Foundation’s commitment to using the power of sport to transform the lives of people in Nottinghamshire.
Raise the Roof fund: An ongoing target
Towards the end of the year, the ‘Raise the Roof‘ campaign emerged as a beacon of hope and a testament to the incredible support we receive from our community. This initiative, launched in 2023, aimed to raise funds for much-needed infrastructure improvement to our community leisure hub The Portland Centre. The response from our community was nothing short of remarkable. In the first weeks of the campaign, we raised over £6,000. However, we still need continued support to achieve our target of £15,000. Please donate to Save our Centre, here.
As we close the chapter on 2023, Notts County Foundation stands proud after having an incredibly successful year, continuing to thrive for our community. We look forward to 2024, when we will remain dedicated to our mission of making a lasting impact on those in our community who need our support.
A word from our leaders:
“As we reflect on the incredible journey of Notts County Foundation in 2023, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of our community. This year has been a testament to the resilience of our team, the strength of our bonds, and the impact we can create when we stand together.
Looking ahead to 2024, we stand on the cusp of new opportunities, deeper community connections, and expanded initiatives. Together, we will continue to build on the foundation of trust and support we have cultivated within our community, striving to make an even greater impact in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey this year, and we look forward to continuing this upward trajectory in 2024, where we will continue to make positive changes to our community.”
Sam Crawford, Chief Financial Officer at Notts County Foundation.
“As we close out another incredible year, I want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the commitment and dedication you have shown in driving forward our organisations values that help us to support our communities. I also want to thank you all for showing the strongest display of togetherness I have ever seen in my time at Notts County Foundation in a year that has presented both professional and personal challenges.
The introduction of new programmes and events were made possible by the collective efforts of our passionate and devoted team.
The outpouring of support and the funds raised in Chloe’s memory are a testament to the compassion and unity that define us.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the Notts County Foundation team. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have been the driving force behind our successes. Together, we have not only weathered the challenges but also created moments of joy and inspiration for our community.
Looking forward to 2024, I am confident that with this incredible team, we will continue to reach new heights and make an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your tireless efforts, and here’s to another year of collaboration, compassion, and community empowerment.”
Emma Trent, Chief Operations Officer at Notts County Foundation.
