Community. A word that we feel incredibly strong about here at Rotherham United and one that we are always keen to reaffirm our commitment to.
The coronavirus pandemic has provided us with a number of opportunities to ensure that we continue to be the beating heart of the town – during a time when supporters have not been able to join us for matches.
#EFLDayofAction | People and their lives are at the heart of everything we do here at RUCST.
— RUCST (@RU_CST) April 14, 2021
Here's our head of community Jamie Noble on what Rotherham United means to him⬇️⚽️@EFLTrust | #rufc pic.twitter.com/olQ7VbqXCd
Our responsibility within Rotherham is much greater than just opening our doors to people for football matches and we hope that you would all agree that we have expressed that with our words and actions throughout what has been a tough 12 months for everybody.
Today – Wednesday 14th April 2021 – marks the EFL’s Day of Action. Another opportunity for us to showcase the work that we carry out for the people of our town with the help of the amazing Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.
#EFLDayOfAction
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) April 14, 2021
Nobody is more Rotherham than Ben Wiles.
Grew up in the town, came through the Academy and recently reached 100 senior appearances.
He's living proof to our community that you should always follow your dreams. 👏#rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProud pic.twitter.com/6VUKjIwKN8
For those who aren’t aware, during the pandemic we have seen first team boss Paul Warne host a weekly Saturday night Rotherham United quiz live on YouTube, countless members of the squad and staff have – and continue to – record video messages for supporters to mark big occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Paul Warne is pictured hosting the lockdown Saturday night quiz - Millersmind
There have been drop-offs of essential items from the likes of Hillsborough hero Freddie Ladapo for supporters who were shielding and unable to collect items of their own.
The club teamed up with Rotherham Borough Council to send out key coronavirus 'Stay at Home' messaging via an LED van during the pandemic
Our Community Sports Trust staff have called around the club’s database, checking on the welfare of people – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – who have been confined to their homes.
The list goes on. And on.
Working closely with RUCST, the club has planned a number of activities which will take place or have already taken place virtually, as we look to celebrate our role at the heart of the local community, here’s what is planned:
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Estimated Start Time |
Duration |
Activity Description |
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NCS |
A week prior to EFL Day of Action |
1 week |
Our NCS groups will be collecting food and toiletry items from friends and family which will be made into to parcels and donated to Liberty Church Foodbank on the EFL Day of Action. |
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Inclusion |
TBC |
1 hour |
Refugee fixture for Football Welcomes Month plus release of refugee focused podcast |
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Education |
10am |
2/3 hours |
The Millers' Community Sports Trust have teamed up with our friends at Stoke City's Community Sports Trust to host a group session/mini youth consultation. Both clubs are participating with the aim of looking at key issues affecting participants at school/post-Covid and how they would like to shape the support they are receiving. |
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Health |
2pm |
60 minutes |
Inclusion football will take place to celebrate the support the club offers to those with mental health issues. |
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11.30am |
60 minutes |
This session will celebrate the diverse activities the club provides to support all members of the community. |
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6pm |
60 minutes |
Online HIIT and social session for past, present and future Fit Millers - celebrating the work the club does to tackle obesity and encourage healthy lifestyles for our participants. |
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Participation |
1.00pm |
120 minutes |
Primary Stars session to take place at St. Mary's Primary School - this lesson will focus on how football has helped them 'to learn' alongside their education. |
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1.30pm |
90 minutes |
Primary Stars session to take place at Wales Primary School - this lesson will focus on how football has helped them to keep active throughout the pandemic. |
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4pm |
60 minutes |
Blackburn Girls football. This session will celebrate the importance of club links with community groups and increasing participation for females within the community. |
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6pm |
60 minutes |
Wickersley Youth Girls football. This session will celebrate the importance of club links with community groups and increasing participation for females within our community. |
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6pm |
60 minutes |
U15/U16 Girls football. The session will celebrate the importance of supporting access to football for females and the clubs involvement in this area. |