Story added: 5th March 2024
On Saturday 2nd of March 2024, the Carrow Road spotlights were shining on the Community Sports Foundation for the charity’s ‘Takeover Game’.
Introduced with the intention of drawing attention to all of the fantastic community work done by the Foundation, this season’s Takeover Game against Sunderland ensured that the 27,000 people packed inside the stadium gained a greater understanding of the organisation’s purpose and the impact it has throughout the county.
A wet and blustery day in Norwich, pre-match saw a variety of Foundation-run activities take place both outside and inside the stadium. Fans flocked to the South Stand to take pictures with Sportysaurus and to watch our disability dance troupe, also taking time to participate in some of our community challenges, which included a pick-your-own-starting-XI and a chance to conduct your own ‘post-match media duties’. There was also a smoothie-making contraption, where keen cyclists could hop on an exercise bike and pedal to blend their own fruity drinks!
Inside Carrow Road, our pan-disability football team took to the turf prior to the player warm-ups for a series of small-sided games. Despite the wet weather, all of our participants made the most of the experience, with wild celebrations following every goal scored. Norwich City first team player Sam McCallum was on hand to watch some of the games, taking time to stop for photos and high-fives.
Check out all the action from our Takeover Game vs Sunderland.
The first half of football was followed by a customary lap of honour for our participants and staff, who were warmly acknowledged by the Carrow Road faithful… despite the miserable weather!
Head of Fundraising, Emma Fletcher-Dungay was quick to praise the fantastic support shown by both the fans and the club staff and players:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Norwich City Football Club, in particular the staff, directors and players who fully supported our aspirations to take over the game.
“The fans, as always, were amazing and welcomed us as we walked around the pitch at halftime – it really helped with the awful weather conditions and certainly didn’t dampen our parade!”
The Norwich first team players also wore one-off Community Sports Foundation branded warm-up shirts, which will be auctioned off to raise further proceeds for the charity in due course.
Yellow Brick Mortgages – for sponsoring the pre-match warmup tops provided by the Community Sports Foundation.
3B Data Security – for changing their pitch board advertisements to show their support of the Foundation.
CIM – for attending our partners event and gifting the CIM football!
BBC Radio Norfolk – for their hospitality in hosting Foundation apprentice, Billy, for the day.
3rd July 2024
On Friday 24th May, local school Ashleigh Primary joined forces with the Foundation to put together a morning of fundraising fun.
2nd July 2024
On Sunday 30th of June over 140 cyclists took to the roads of Norfolk for the Foundation fundraiser - Cycle Swarm 2024.
1st July 2024
On Saturday 29th of June The Nest played host to the Foundation's first ever Armed Forces Day.
27th June 2024
In April, ex-soldier Del Sullivan embarked on a mammoth fundraising mission, walking ten marathons in ten days around Norwich ring road, raising money for the Community Sports Foundation.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Foundation
