Story added: 7th November 2025

Veterans community supported by Norwich City Academy

Norwich City Academy Under-12s have shown outstanding support for local military veterans by raising funds to sustain the Community Sports Foundation’s Coffee and Comrades programme.

Over the past month, the young Canaries have embarked on an incredible fundraising journey while learning about the Armed Forces community. Their activities included researching local history, crafting their own posters and poppies, and visiting historic exhibitions. 

The project forms part of the Premier League’s Truce competition, which offers U12 teams the opportunity to play against top European Clubs in Ypres, Belgium while gaining an understanding of the historical events that shaped our world. 

Norwich City Academy U12s dedicated their project to the Community Sports Foundation’s Coffee and Comrades programme – a regular coffee morning for veterans and active service members at The Nest on the final Friday of every month. 

The team presented their fundraising efforts to members of Coffee and Comrades on Friday morning, before taking part in a social action initiative by painting the volunteer shed at The Nest. 

“The Foundation was delighted to welcome the U12 boys from the Academy to our Coffee and Comrades session,” said Neil Hall, Armed Forces Champion at the Foundation.  

“They all left a remarkable impression on our veterans with their interesting research, including Norwich City players who had served their country in wartime. 

“In addition, the boys have raised an incredible amount of money to support our veterans’ programme in the future and have even donated a hospitality box to them for the Remembrance fixture against Leicester City. They have been amazingly generous, and we’re extremely grateful to all of them.”   

The Academy team launched their fundraising page on JustGiving at the start of October, setting a target of £750 to cover the costs of the Coffee and Comrades programme for the next five months. 

With 50 donations, the team have smashed their target and raised over £1,200, helping to secure the long-term future of the Foundation’s veterans support programme. 

“The energy and engagement in the room during the presentation was inspirational,” said Matt Wells, Head of Education at the Academy. 

“It’s rare that we have the opportunity to work across generations within our Academy programme, and this project has been fantastic for the players. Our goal isn’t just to develop great footballers, but to develop great people too.” 

The Foundation would like to thank Norwich City Academy U12s, along with all supporters and donators, for their generosity towards our Coffee and Comrades programme. 

The JustGiving page remains open below for anyone who would like to contribute to the team’s fundraising campaign.