We are delighted to announce the launch of the Workington AFC Foundation which, working alongside the club and Reds in the Community, will aim to further increase the clubs’ presence in the local community by reaching out to varied groups and organisations.

This will continue to promote the benefits of health and wellbeing in sport for all ages and abilities, as well as involving local youngsters in events at Borough Park.

Headed up by newly-appointed Community Directors Simon Collins and Richard Lewthwaite, several months of planning have gone into the creation of the Foundation.

Despite the difficult times we are currently operating in, we have already launched a Facebook page which gained almost 200 followers in its first 24 hours.

A Twitter account will soon follow.

Many of the projects we are planning will have to wait until Covid-19 restrictions are eased but we already have firm foundations on which to launch these events once we are able to.

We can, however, announce our first initiative: The West Cumbrian Football Food Collection

We have teamed up with West Cumbria Youth Football League to launch the scheme, in which both Reds fans and players at local grassroots clubs, along with their families, can donate food.

The Foundation will then work with the best local organisations to ensure that food is distributed to those most in need, not just in Workington but throughout West Cumbria.

Reds fans can donate at the club office at Borough Park during the normal opening hours of 10am until 2pm on weekdays.

Alternatively, you can donate on matchdays, by placing items in our collection points located inside both turnstiles.

This will start from the Marske United home match on Saturday, 7 November.

Grassroots players can simply donate to their local club and we will do the rest. All clubs signing up will receive some goodies from the Foundation that will help them with their own development.

Exiled Reds fans – as we know how you like to be involved with the club – we have devised a voucher scheme which can be bought via Paypal and we will do your shopping for you.

Just get in touch through ‘richard.lewthwaite@sky.com’ for details.

There is a shopping list of suitable items for donation which can be found on the Foundation Facebook page.

Manchester United and England’s Marcus Rashford has raised the issue nationally and we at the Foundation feel we are perfectly placed to deliver help, through football, to those in need around our own locality.

We hope you can get involved, Reds!