Fans for Diversity match

As part of the club’s commitment to Kick It Out’s ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign Leyton Orient FC invited a group of Coping Through Football participants to enjoy a unique match day experience in their community hub.

The hub, formerly the players’ lounge under the Brisbane Road stand, provided a private venue in which Coping Through Football participants could meet and have refreshments in the build up to kick off against Wycombe Wanderers FC.

At half time Sonia Smith was invited onto the pitch to show the Mind Wellbeing Award she received at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Award. Six volunteers from the project then stepped up to take a penalty against club mascot Theo and their efforts were greeted with cheers from the supporters in the North Stand.

Jo McKenzie, LPFF Projects Manager said: “Leyton Orient staff and fans have made our service users feel so welcome in the stadium today. They’ve had a brilliant day and we are so grateful to the club for allowing us the opportunity to showcase Coping Through Football to the local community.

The project celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and owes its success and longevity to the fantastic partnership between Leyton Orient Trust, London Playing Fields Foundation and NELFT.”