Story added: 5th November 2026

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation earns Silver Award for Armed Forces support

Representatives from the Foundation attended the Armed Forces Covenant presentation evening in East Anglia, where they proudly accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.

The ERS Silver Award recognises employers that go above and beyond in supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families, while acknowledging the valuable skills, experience and perspectives they bring to the workforce.

The achievement recognises the Community Sports Foundation’s ongoing work across Norfolk, using the power of sport to create opportunities and support the Armed Forces community. The organisation is already working towards the Gold Award as part of its wider ambition to become a leading Armed Forces-friendly employer.

Supporting the Armed Forces community in Norfolk

Football club community organisations can play an important role in creating trusted spaces where members of the Armed Forces community feel understood, connected and valued.

The Foundation provides a dedicated Armed Forces Community Coordinator role, funded by the ‘Veterans Foundation’, to help members of the Armed Forces community improve their physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and access meaningful support. 

The role facilitates a year-round programme of activities for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and cadets. Regular coffee mornings, walking football, padel sessions and an annual Armed Forces celebration event offer opportunities for connection, physical activity and community support. They also offer five days’ additional paid leave for reservists and flexible working arrangements for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).

Ian Thornton OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, said: 

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Silver Award, recognising our ongoing commitment to the Defence community. 

“At the Foundation, we believe sport has the power to bring people together, raise aspirations and create opportunities for serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families. This award reflects our work to champion inclusion, wellbeing and employability, and to create an environment where Defence people feel valued and supported. 

“We recognise the unique skills and dedication service personnel bring, and we remain committed to helping them thrive during and after their service. Thank you to our colleagues, partners and supporters who helped us reach this milestone. We look forward to building on this success and strengthening our support across Norfolk and beyond.” 

The Foundation’s work is strengthened by a range of partners, including strategic partner Norse Group, which supports the delivery of positive outcomes for communities across Norfolk. 

Neil Hall, Photo & Video Manager and Armed Forces Champion at the Foundation, said:

“The Norwich City Community Sports Foundation has supported me from the moment I joined in 2023. From the outset, it was clear they valued the experience and skills I brought from my time in the Royal Navy.

“The team has been proactive in developing programmes for the Defence community across our region and has shown a real willingness to understand the challenges veterans face, particularly around wellbeing and employability. 

“I’m extremely proud of my employers for earning the Silver Award, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”