Saints Foundation, the official charity of Southampton Football Club, is celebrating 25 years of community impact this week. The organisation has launched its ‘Southampton Made’ anniversary campaign to highlight a quarter-century of transforming lives across the city.

Managing director Sam Fulling spoke about the milestone. “For 25 years, Saints Foundation has been part of Southampton's story,” he said. “Through the power of Southampton FC, we have helped people build confidence, discover opportunities and strengthen connections.”

Reaching the community

Last year alone, the Foundation’s programmes reached 5,559 people across Southampton. That number is greater than the capacity of a sold-out Northam Stand at St Mary’s Stadium. The anniversary campaign, supported by Snows Motor Group as Event Partner, will feature stories from participants on social media and billboards around the city.

Four individuals were selected to demonstrate the Foundation’s long-term work. Jake joined as a quiet teenager in 2014 and now works as a PE teacher in London after progressing through the club’s coaching academy. Mark, who joined SaintsAbility in 2015 after a road collision ended his military career, has captained the disability team in European tournaments and now works in the police service.

Fifteen-year-old Izzy, who has been involved for seven years, recently addressed supporters at a Saints Women’s fixture, a step her mother said would have been unimaginable a year ago. Karamjeet found a vital community through the Senior Saints programme nine years ago, helping her overcome isolation.

Anniversary event

A launch event for the anniversary will be held at St Mary’s on Thursday, October 8, from 5.45pm. Players, club ambassadors and those featured in the campaign will attend. The Foundation is asking for public support, suggesting a £25 donation to help fund the next 25 years of work under the slogan ‘25 YEARS. £25. ONE CITY.’

This community work continues as the first team prepares for a key south coast derby. Southampton host Portsmouth at home this Saturday.

The club’s commitment off the pitch remains a constant, with the Foundation’s launch event taking place just three days before the next Championship fixture.

This story first appeared at southamptonfc.com