Local Fundraiser Phil Johnson backs Club Doncaster’s Kicks programme
The team at Club Doncaster Foundation has been overwhelmed by the efforts of local fundraiser Phil Johnson, who has raised over £9,250 for the Foundation to contribute to their extensive work in the local communities in Doncaster.
Phil, who met with then Foundation chief executive Liam Scully and commercial manager Andrew Whitham back in 2015 was so inspired by the work done by the Foundation that he committed to raise £7500 to contribute to the Youth Participation project Doncaster Kicks.
Doncaster Kicks is a youth engagement programme which targets 8-19 year olds at times when young people are most at risk of getting involved in anti social behaviour or risky behaviours such as drink, drugs, smoking etc. By providing high quality sports provision in the heart of our communities, the Kicks programme gives young people another, more positive option! With over 600 young people attending each year, the programme regularly achieves great outcomes, with players gaining confidence, new skills and improved behaviour as well as having a really positive impact locally.
Superintendant Norman from South Yorkshire Police has said of the programme: “We had reductions in anti social behaviour on the days and times when the Kicks programme was running – when ordinarily, we would see a rise at those times i.e. Friday and Saturday evenings”
“In terms of youth nuisance, we have definitely seen larger improvements both in terms of calls for service, but also in how local people feel about their area. Whereas in the past, attendees at the local PACT meetings, (where local neighbourhood priorities are set for the police and partner agencies), would highlight youth nuisance, residents highlighted other issues as a concern.”
Spurred on by the opportunity to give something back to the community and raise aspirations of our young people in Doncaster, Phil set about raising funds through a 23 mile charity walk (from Barnsley FC to the Keepmoat Stadium) followed by a highly entertaining charity night at the Earl of Doncaster, complete with Robbie Williams tribute act and charity auction and attended by staff and trustees from Club Doncaster Foundation.
Marie Hepburn, community manager said: “Phil really has gone above and beyond to raise funds for the Foundation and this will have a significant impact on the Kicks programme. As a charity, we rely on support from local organisations, grants and funding to continue the programme, now in its 3rd year of delivery. The fundraising from Phil enables us to continue providing the activities in key areas of Doncaster and has enabled us to identify match funding to employ a Coordinator to ensure we are meeting local need and providing additional opportunities for young people to get involved in volunteering, training and employment through the project."
Although Phil has raised the funds as part of his personal charity work, as the Head of Environmental Services at DFS Phil is working closely with Club Doncaster to shape longer term relations that will benefit both organisations.
Foundation chief executive Jim Lord added: “We are delighted that Phil has chosen to fundraise in aid of the work that Club Doncaster Foundation do in the area. Phil’s passion and enthusiasm is infectious and his continued support will really make a difference to projects like Doncaster Kicks. I’m determined that we look at ways in which we can develop the relationship and ensure that the money Phil raises continues to improve the lives of people across Doncaster.”