chesterfield fc

Chesterfield FC’s inspiring community awards ceremony to return in 2023

Chesterfield FC is urging people in the town to contact them, if they know of someone in the local community who has gone above and beyond to help others.

The club is once again organising its community awards, which aims to showcase the inspirational people in our town and surrounding area.

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s Marketing Manager, said: “We are delighted to once again provide an opportunity to recognise those in the community whose valued efforts may otherwise go unrewarded.

“I would like to thank the companies who are supporting the awards through sponsorship. We look forward to another memorable gala awards event!”

Karen Mosley, a director of KranLee Logistics, explained why they are sponsoring the event.

She said: “It’s all about recognising the amount of amazing people we have in our community and rewarding them, which fits in well with the ethos and the culture of our business.

“We’re really excited to be involved and we’re looking forward to the night.”

Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards:

  • Community Award, sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
  • Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by KranLee Logistics Limited.
  • Above & Beyond, sponsored by Ideal Flooring.
  • Act of Kindness, sponsored by Elite Contract Clean.
  • Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Bridge Inn Travel.
  • Green Champion of the Year, sponsored by Penny Hydraulics.
  • Local Hero, sponsored by Kimberley Caravans.
  • Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Netcoms IT.
  • Sporting Achievement, sponsored by Leengate Valves.
  • Carer of the Year, sponsored by WS Sherburns LGV.
  • Adult Bravery, sponsored by FabworX.
  • Young Person of Courage, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors.

To make a nomination, visit www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk. The winners will be announced at the event being held in the SBK Spires Restaurant on Saturday, May 20.

Technique Stadium

Spireites involved in pioneering sign language initiative

Elsewhere, the club has also lead the way on a new accessibility initiative, which used children from a local school to communicate with supporters using British Sign Language on the big screen at the Technique Stadium.

Level Playing Field, a registered charity campaigning for an inclusive matchday experience and equal access for all disabled sports fans in England and Wales, praised the initiative.

A reporter from ITV Calendar was at the game to interview some of the children involved from New Whittington Primary School, along with head teacher Miss Tooley, who organised the initiative with the Chesterfield FC Community Trust inclusion officer, Alyss Jackson.

Miss Tooley was delighted with the outcome. She said: “The quality of the signing on the big screen was fantastic. The children were beyond excited when they saw the big screen.

“They were pointing at the screen and patting their mate on the back when it was their turn to be on the screen. It was just what you’d want it to be and just what you want to see from your young people.”

Club photographer Tina Jenner worked on putting the videos together and she was praised by Miss Tooley, who said: “She came into the school and put the children at ease. She was incredibly patient with the children and I dread to think how many hours she spent editing the work to make it just perfect!

“Tina also made the t-shirts for the children to wear. I’d like to thank Tina and Alyss for their valued efforts.”

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

New Whitt Schoo

Image by Tina Jenner Photography

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Toys worth a five-figure sum donated to Chesterfield FC’s charity appeal

Toys worth a total of around £10,000 will be distributed to worthy causes this Christmas following a fantastic response to Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Organised by Chesterfield FC and the club’s Community Trust, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who have experienced hardship.

The appeal was supported by residents and businesses across the town, with local people getting involved in the community effort.

A number of locations opened their doors and storage space as drop-off units for toys, including:

  • Ideal Flooring – behind Morrisons on Chatsworth Road.
  • World Choice Holidays inside Tesco.
  • Chester’s Den.
  • Rosewood Wealth Management Ltd.
  • GSM Electrical Supplies, Holmewood
  • TSB, Bolsover.
  • Spencers Solicitors, Chesterfield.

Bridget Ball, marketing manager for the Spireites, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response, particularly at a time when finances are tight for everyone.

“It is amazing to think that we will be providing toys for so many children who would otherwise miss out.

“Our grateful thanks go to Brett Martin Ltd, who have sponsored the appeal, together with the many businesses and individuals who have donated toys.”

The Spireites have also been busy elsewhere in the community in the run-up to Christmas, with first team players making themselves available for photos and autographs with fans in the club shop earlier this week.

The club’s official radio station, 1866 Sport has also been named as the official radio partner of the upcoming Santa Fun Run in Queen’s Park, taking place on Christmas Eve. Find out more about the event below:

Find out more about some of the fabulous festive initiatives being carried out by Chesterfield Champions across the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/11/how-chesterfields-business-community-is-supporting-local-people-this-christmas/

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield FC Toy appeal

Image by Chesterfield FC Community Trust

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Chesterfield Champions sponsor local community awards ceremony

Several Chesterfield Businesses and organisations have pledged to sponsor the upcoming BrightLife ‘Champions Against Loneliness’ Awards.

The ceremony is set to held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, on February 17th, 2023.

The awards evening is a fundraising event at which the local charity BrightLife will acknowledge and celebrate those members of society who have gone above and beyond in their actions to ensure that loneliness and isolation doesn’t occur amongst older people living within Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

The 2023 award categories will include:

  • Champion
  • Champion Young Person
  • Champion Volunteer
  • Champion Medical Professional
  • Champion Carer
  • Champion Business
  • Champion Neighbour
  • Champion Family
  • Champion Charity

Sponsors for the event include Banner Jones Solicitors, Heron Publications – the producer of Twist Magazine, and 1866 Sport – the official radio station of Chesterfield Football Club.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager of Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “Banner Jones has worked alongside BrightLife (formerly Age Concern Chesterfield and District) for several years as we have always recognised the importance of supporting the elderly and vulnerable in our society.

Unfortunately we see the effects of loneliness in our everyday work with clients and it was this that gave us a reason to get behind this event and help to raise money for this outstanding local charity.”

Mike Firth, Director of Heron Publications commented “We are proud how closely our magazines are tied to the fabric of the communities they serve. When we heard that BrightLife was planning to recognise some of the most deserving individuals and groups in these communities, we were interested to find out more.

“We are excited to be a sponsor of the event and urge anyone who knows someone who strives to combat older people’s loneliness and isolation to get involved.”

Bridget Ball, 1866 Sport’s marketing manager, added: “We are delighted to be working with BrightLife and helping them recognise those have helped combat loneliness.”

If you or anyone you know has helped to prevent loneliness and isolation amongst older people living within your community, please submit a nomination at www.brightlife.charity/champions or phone BrightLife on 01246 273333.

Casa Hotel

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Chesterfield FC announces planning application for new 3G pitch on Stand Road

A planning application has been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for a 3G pitch on Stand Road by Chesterfield Football Club.

An application for funding has been submitted for the proposed 3G pitch, which is for the benefit of the local community. The remaining funding will come from grant aid and loans. It will be managed by Chesterfield FC Community Trust, mainly for use by them, the Trust’s football academy and local grassroots teams.

The application has been considered by the Planning Department and several changes have been made to the initial designs to make it more acceptable to the Planning Department.

There were a number of representations made to the Council from members of the public and interested parties on the initial proposals, so it is now appropriate to hold a public exhibition of the latest proposed designs so that members of the public can see what is now proposed and comment accordingly.

The exhibition is to be held in the reception of the HUB, in the Karen Child Community (East) Stand of the Technique Stadium on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week, with a public meeting to follow next Monday at 6pm in the Ernie Moss Room in the HUB.

Everyone is welcome to attend both the exhibition, and the public meeting, when they will be able to make comments on the proposals. Relevant comments will be taken into account by the Planning Department and Planning Committee when considering the application.

Terry Ward is the director leading on the project. He said: “This is a facility which would greatly benefit the local community. If the project receives the go-ahead, it would help the Community Trust to make sport more accessible for all in the area.”

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Spireites agree partnership with ‘Her Game Too’ campaign

A partnership has been agreed between the Chesterfield FC Community Trust and HerGameToo.

HerGameToo was founded by 12 passionate female football fans who are committed to growing the campaign with the aim of fostering an ethos in football in which women are welcomed and respected equally.

The non-profit organisation strives to be a catalyst for positive change and works with dozens of professional football clubs across the country to improve the experience of football for everyone.

Alyss Jackson, who is the Trust’s women and girls’ inclusion officer, has welcomed the link-up with HerGameToo.

Alyss said: “The organisation’s aims include creating awareness, providing education, developing a strong sense of community and building a more welcoming environment for women and girls within football.

“This reflects what we are trying to achieve as a Trust. A strong women’s programme is being developed, which includes girls’ academy sides and a women’s first team.

“We are also launching women’s walking football sessions and Weetabix Wildcats sessions for girls aged 5 to 11.

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with HerGameToo.”

To find out more about HerGameToo, go to www.hergametoo.co.uk.

The Spireites have been busy developing womens’ sport in the community this Summer, with former Burnley academy manager Jonathan Pepper being appointed by the club to mastermind the women’s programme for the club’s academy.

He will oversee the Chesterfield FC women’s first team, academy, U16s and ETC ahead of the 2022/23 season launch.

Academy manager Neil Cluxton commented: “It is an amazing opportunity for talented players in the region to play for the newly launched Chesterfield FC women’s team as they embark on the new challenge ahead.”

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Plans for Sensory Hub outlined by Chesterfield FC

Chesterfield Football Club has announced that plans for a Sensory Hub at the Technique Stadium are well underway.

Jane Cooper, who is a director of the club and a trustee of the Community Trust, has played an instrumental role in the project. She was a guest on BBC Radio Sheffield earlier this week to talk about the plans.

The Chesterfield FC Community Trust Sensory Hub is a stand-alone building which will be located opposite the entrance to Chester’s Den. It will be a safe, quiet space with sensory equipment and sensory lighting. There will also be a Sensory Garden to the rear.

The Hub is intended for the use of autistic people who need a quiet space to retreat from the noisy, often chaotic environment of a football ground. It will also benefit autistic people and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in the wider community. It will support autistic youngsters to access the Community Trust’s activities and alternative education provision.

It will be a community resource, open for members of the wider community to hire on an hourly basis and will be a welcome alternative to Chester’s Den who find the play centre environment challenging.

Why is the Sensory Hub needed?

• Autistic people can often be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells of the world around them and they can become ‘overloaded’ with information.

• This can lead to a ‘meltdown’ or ‘shutdown’ often meaning that they find it difficult to access busy and noisy environments such as a football stadium.

• This impacts on their life and that of their family, friends and those who support them.

The design of the Sensory Hub has been agreed and will be supplied by Rise Adapt. The club has planning permission from the local authority who have commended this provision. Chesterfield FC Community Trust is now applying to funding bodies for the circa £60,000 it will cost to create the Sensory Hub and the sensory garden to the rear. Other fundraising initiatives are likely to follow.

A statement on the Chesterfield FC Community Trust website said: “Chesterfield FC’s vision is to be THE most accessible football club in the country and providing the Sensory Hub will be a step towards achieving this vision. The Football Association motto is ‘For All’ and we intend to make that a reality.

“In the longer term we want to create a quiet viewing area of the pitch on matchdays. A full access audit of the site is underway which will identify other ways in which we can improve.”

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Spireites launch Easter Egg Appeal to bring joy to youngsters across North Derbyshire

Chester’s 2022 Easter Egg Appeal has been launched by Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield FC.

The appeal is sponsored by John Pye Auctions. Easter Eggs will be accepted in the HUB and by the club until Tuesday, April 5.

The eggs will be donated to The Life House Church, which will have four pop-up shops, open on Easter Sunday (April 17) in Whittington Moor, Boythorpe, Hasland and Newbold.

We are looking for people and businesses in North Derbyshire to donate any Easter Eggs for the children of North Derbyshire.

Pastor Paul Hollingworth of Life House Church is taking the lead with the appeal, and Spireites player Luke Croll will be providing his support.

Paul said: “In a world surrounded by fear, the simple act of ‘bringing a smile’ to someone is powerful.

“An appeal like this gives people the opportunity to invest something back into the community that can make such a huge difference.

“The partnership with Chesterfield Football Club is a great model of how we can all work together for the greater good. Over the years we have been able to make a significant community impact in many different ways.

“The support of Luke Croll with this appeal says a lot about him as an individual. He has been a great ambassador for the club. His enthusiasm is undoubtedly an indicator of the positive culture within the football club currently.”

The launch of the Spireites’ Easter Egg Appeal comes off the back of the hugely successful Christmas toy appeal hosted by the club. The appeal ensured that more than 120 less fortunate families in our area were able to open presents on Christmas Day.

The appeal has already been supported by a number of Chesterfield Champions, with businesses including Mortgage 1st making a dontation.

Meanwhile, The Trust has also been raising funds for people affected by the crisis in Ukraine, with collections at the recent Maidenhead United match and the academy game at Matlock Town raising around £1,000 for relief efforts. This was supplemented by some Spire Lotto winners, meaning £1,200 has been sent to the EFDN Foundation.

The European Football Development Network is supporting humanitarian work by Shakhtar Donetsk in Lviv. This campaign is facilitated by Legia Warsaw in Poland, where their stadium has become a distribution centre for much needed supplies.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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International football set to return to Chesterfield in March

England’s Young Lions will head to Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium in March.

The MU19s host a 2022 UEFA U19 EURO elite round group with Armenia, Portugal and Republic of Ireland as they bid to qualify for this summer’s finals in Slovakia.

Ian Foster’s age group will conclude the group with a fixture against Portugal at the Technique Stadium on Tuesday, March 29 (7.30pm kick-off).

Prior to that, England will host Republic of Ireland at Walsall on Wednesday, March 23 (7.30pm kick-off)  and Armenia at Rotherham United on Saturday, March 26 (2pm kick-off).

Only the group winners qualify for the U19 EURO finals, a tournament England has won once in its current guise in 2017.

The home of the Spireites has hosted a number of international matches since its opening more than a decade ago, ranging from under-16 to under-21 levels. The technique was also one of the host venues for the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship in 2013.

Foster said: “It’s great that we have home advantage for this final phase of our qualifying campaign and even better that it allows us to take our Young Lions around the country.

“We’re looking forward to visiting Chesterfield where the backing will be vital in helping to get us over the line to qualify for the U19 EURO finals in Slovakia this summer.

“It’s rare that football fans get to witness the next crop of young England stars in their region so we hope to see plenty of all ages come out to enjoy the unique experience of watching international football.”

Chesterfield chief executive John Croot said: “We are honoured to have once again been asked to host an international fixture at the Technique Stadium. We attract good attendances for international matches and we are looking forward to welcoming the Young Lions.”

Tickets are on sale now at TheFA.com/tickets.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust agrees partnership to enhance education offer

A partnership has been agreed between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and TEAM Education Trust to greatly enhance the Community Trust’s alternative provision offering.

Led by Matt Morris, who is the education & inclusion manager at TEAM Education Trust, the two organisations will develop a pathway to Ofsted accreditation, with the aim of achieving that within two years.

Commenting on the link-up, Morris said: “There’s a real magic here at Chesterfield Football Club. They’re offering something special and that’s why we at TEAM Education Trust really want to be involved.”

Sarah Baker, the CEO of TEAM Education Trust, added: “This is an exciting partnership which will offer lots of opportunities for our students and staff. It will also support those coming to the club from other schools from across Derbyshire and the young people who are working within Chesterfield FC Community Trust as part of their alternative provision.

“For us, it’s about quality, inclusive education. Between us both, we’re going to be supporting some amazing learning for young people and developing activities designed to motivate and inspire our students.

“We’ll be working with the Community Trust to help them to ensure their provision is of an excellent standard and to secure better outcomes for the young people across this area.”

Martin Thacker, director and trustee of the Community Trust, believes it is a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to move forward with its alternative provision.

He said: “Over a period of time, we’ve done some excellent work with young people who aren’t in schools, for whatever reason.

“This club has become their oasis – a place for them to come to and feel secure and safe and enjoy what they’re doing while they’re not in school.

“This development will mean that there’s an increase in the quality of water in that oasis. It’s so exciting and we’re really glad to be doing this.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust links up with Alfreton Town to promote healthy lifestyles

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Alfreton Town FC are teaming up to deliver a male specific adult weight management programme.

Staff from the Community Trust will be delivering the programme, using facilities at Alfreton Town and Alfreton Leisure Centre.

The link adds to the increasing amount of work being carried out locally by the Community Trust, which has established links with a number of local schools in the area, and recently ran another successful toy appeal to help families in need over Christmas.

Andrea Parkinson, the Community Trust’s wellbeing manager, is delighted to be working in partnership with Alfreton Town to deliver the programme.

She said: “Working within Amber Valley will allow us to support more participants. I would like to thank Alfreton Town and Alfreton Leisure Centre for being so accommodating.

“Having already successfully delivered a similar programme in the HUB at the Technique Stadium, I am sure the programme will be a great success in Alfreton.”

Michael Bradley, Alfreton Town’s CEO, said: “I am delighted to announce that the club is working in partnership with Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Places Leisure, specifically Alfreton Leisure Centre, to help promote healthier lifestyles and weight management across Amber Valley.

“There is no cost to sign up to the programme and there are some fantastic benefits, such as free gym membership for three months, thanks to our friends at Alfreton Leisure Centre and free match tickets for Alfreton Town home fixtures.”

Delivered over a 12-week period, the programme will feature sessions each Monday (12pm to 2pm), starting on January 17.

For more information and details regarding the referral criteria, please email tomcooke@spireitestrust.org.uk. or phone Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s wellbeing team on 07751 926714.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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“It’s great for the town of Chesterfield” – Spireites CEO reacts to bumper FA Cup draw

Chesterfield FC staff and supporters are celebrating after being drawn to play away at Chelsea in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

The Spireites will travel to play against the current Champions’ League holders between January 7-10 2022.

Chief executive John Croot has outlined just how important the tie will be for the future of the club.

Giving his reaction to the club’s online radio station, 1866 Sport, John said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s fantastic for the club, for the fans, for the players and sponsors.

“We’ve waited a long time for a draw like this and it’s absolutely incredible. Importantly, it secures the financial future for the club for some time to come.

“It really shows you how the club has moved forward in just over 12 months since the Trust took over. It’s another milestone for us. Equally important, it’s great for the town of Chesterfield.”

The Spireites are certain to be well backed in South West London, as John acknowledged. He said: “We know our fans will travel in numbers and we know that they’ll travel to Stamford Bridge and have a great day out.”

It is expected that several thousand Chesterfield fans will make the trip to Stamford Bridge next month, with the club set to announce ticket details in due course. The draw comes just a day after the Spireites knocked out League 2 side Salford City, beating them 2-0 in the second round in a game broadcast live on ITV 4.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield FC Proact

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