One of the integral parts of the Doncaster Rovers strategy is that the club and stadium should be an important member of the local community, providing a facility that the community is proud of.
The club and its education and foundation section are working hard to make an impact on the local community providing facilities, courses and a framework of opportunities for every person in Doncaster.
Since the club have taken control of the stadium, we have received many plaudits and everyone has been positive about how we have placed the stadium in the heart of Doncaster. Respected local ward councillor, John McHale, approached the club this week:
“Since Rovers took over the stadium, I have been stopped many times in the street about how the whole atmosphere at the stadium has changed. People are commenting on how much the club is doing to reach out to local children and how it is better for local community access. At a time when we hear so much about children having nowhere to go or anything to do, Rovers have provided an outlet for them to keep them off the streets.
Rovers and the Keepmoat Stadium are valuable parts of the fabric of Doncaster and as such play an important role in many people’s lives. There are many facets to the club that are not always seen, such as involvement in projects to help people from every walk of life. It is not just about football, although that also brings joy to many Doncaster people and has brought success and recognition to the town. As local councillor for the ward that the stadium sits in, I have had first hand insight to the important role that the club and its partners play in enriching and helping the local community. I would like to thank Rovers as since they took control of the stadium, I have seen them enrich so many lives.”
Gavin Baldwin, Chief Executive: “We want to be a valuable part of this community, not only as a football club but as a valuable partner to everyone who lives here. It’s not just about football as we can use our great sporting brand to enrich the local environment. We are involved as ‘Club Doncaster’ in many other sports and activities that allow us to entwine ourselves in the local fabric of society to enhance and help the people of Doncaster. We want to be part of a community that everyone is proud of and not just for football. John McHale’s comments make everyone at Rovers proud of the way we can enhance the lives of so many people.
We will not be sitting back but will be looking at how we can do more for the people of Doncaster. We have plans with our stadium partners to bring more to the town to enrich everyone’s lives, whatever their circumstances or lifestyles. Now we have control of our own destiny at the stadium, we will be working hard for the people of Doncaster.”
Doncaster Rovers are an ambitious and successful club the community can be proud of.