UEFA award winners
Coping Through Football has been recognised by UEFA as part of its Grassroots Awards as a shining example of how football can be used to improve the lives of one of society’s most disadvantaged and marginalised groups.
Each year UEFA presents awards to recognise the best leaders, clubs and projects around Europe which make a real difference to people’s lives and Coping Through Football achieved the Silver Prize this year.
Chief Executive of London Playing Fields Foundation Alex Welsh said:
“We are delighted with this UEFA award which recognises two things. Firstly, the role that community playing fields can play in transforming the lives of even the most disadvantaged of groups; and secondly, the importance of innovative partnership working in delivering sports projects that have huge additional health and social benefits”
Barbara Armstrong, Lead for Social Inclusion and Joint Lead Occupational Therapist from NELFT who has overseen the expansion of the Coping Through Football project, said:
“NELFT is committed to delivering services that are recovery-focussed and promote social inclusion.
It is fantastic that Coping Through Football, which has helped so many people with their recovery from mental health problems, has been recognised by UEFA.”
The UEFA certificate was presented by LPFF Vice President and Chelsea legend John Hollins at the official launch of the project’s extension on 18th June at London Marathon Playing Field, Redbridge.
L – R: Howard Gould (Leyton Orient Trust), Stewart Goshawk (Wembley National Stadium Trust), John Hollins, Alex Welsh (London Playing Fields Foundation) and Bob Edwards (North East London Foundation Trust)
