Story added: 11th August 2022

Fans help raise thousands for the charity

All things Community Sports Foundation were celebrated at Carrow Road on Tuesday evening, for the charity’s ‘Take Over’ fixture.

The initiative saw £2 of every adult ticket sale and £1 of every other ticket for the Canaries’ Carabao Cup clash with Birmingham City donated to the Foundation.

With the total attendance amounting to an incredible 18,971, over £24,000 will now go towards the Foundation’s disability initiatives, which will mean close to 150 disabled children and adults can enjoy a full season of funded activity.

A night to remember

Pre-match, fans young and old were treated to a selection of free activities including basketball, football, face painting, a photo booth and music from two DJs.

The Foundation disability dance troupe, the All Stars, took to a stage to show off their dance moves, while the charity’s mascot, Sportasaurus, was on hand for selfies.

Inside the stadium, there was a surprise treat in store for our Down’s Syndrome football team, as they got the chance to play a small-sided game on the pitch, prior to the player warm-ups.

As well as meeting former City favourite and continued supporter of the Foundation, John Ruddy, the participants got the chance to say hello to his new teammates Troy Deeney and on-loan Canary Przemysław Płacheta.

Following an enthralling half of football, half-time saw a lap of honour around the perimeter of the pitch.

Led by the Down’s Syndrome squad, and made up of participants, volunteers and fundraisers from the charity, the procession enjoyed a roaring reception from the Carrow Road faithful, waving flags, bumping fists, and exchanging smiles with the fantastic support.

Senior Fundraising and Events Manager, Emma Fletcher-Dungay said:

“Thank you to both sets of fans for their incredible reception.

“The evening was a resounding success and we hope the joy of our participants during the half-time lap resonated with the fans.

“On behalf of the Foundation, we want to thank both Norwich City and Birmingham City for donating part of the match ticket price to us, and to every fan who attended the game. They’ve helped us raise invaluable funds for the Foundation, which will have a huge impact on so many lives.”

On top of the money already raised, an auction with signed memorabilia from the evening will go live next week.