The collaborative effort between the football club and Bristol Rovers Community Trust in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognised with a nomination at the 2021 Football Business Awards.
The club worked closely to support the fantastic and apt work of the Trust throughout the pandemic, aiding in projects such as garden visits by players, letters to elderly fans by club personnel and providing essential supplies to vulnerable supporters.
The work has seen the partnership nominated in the category of ‘Best Covid 19 Community Response - Non-Premier League’ in the Football Business Awards 2021.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the football club has also worked closely with our charity partners, Above and Beyond, donating 1,000 tickets to NHS staff as a sign of gratitude for the work they have done to keep the country safe.
Speaking about the nomination, Commercial Director, Tom Gorringe said, “We are
delighted to have such strong links with our award-winning Community Trust, who
provide such a fantastic service to those in the local community. When the pandemic struck last March, our initial response was to work in unison with the Trust to support those in the community who needed assistance the most. We have been supported in our efforts by the players and staff across the football club, reflecting our strong community core values. The football club has kept the fanbase informed as much as possible throughout this uncertain time, with regular updates from the Club’s owner and Directors, as well as introducing a guide for fans to display how they could carry on supporting the club,
our suppliers and the wider community in these challenging times.”
CEO of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, Adam Tutton added, “The Coronavirus pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of football clubs’ roles in the lives of their communities and fanbases. We are delighted that our innovative, close working relationship between the football club and Community Trust has been recognised with this nomination.”
The Football Business Awards are currently in their 9th year and recognise and reward
excellence in the business of football. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on July 6th 2021.