U18s MAKE CHRISTMAS FOODBANK DONATION

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

U18s squad purchase and deliver items to foodbank at Burnley FC in the Community Kitchen

2021-12-14T17:00:00.000Z

U18s MAKE CHRISTMAS FOODBANK DONATION

U18s squad purchase and deliver items to foodbank at Burnley FC in the Community Kitchen

2021-12-14T17:00:00.000Z

U18s squad purchase and deliver items to foodbank at Burnley FC in the Community Kitchen

Tony Philliskirk and team given tour of facility to see impact on the town

In support of Burnley FC’s ‘Clarets One Small Act’ Christmas campaign, the U18s youth team were tasked with purchasing items for Burnley FC in the Community’s foodbank. Located in the town centre, the donations will be made up into food parcels and distributed to those who need it the most across Burnley, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire.

In partnership alongside Burnley Together, BFCitC’s foodbank provide a next-day delivery service ensuring those most in need have access to food.

The player's donated a large selection of essential food, and joined by Clarets’ U18s Head Coach, Tony Philliskirk, and Head of Safeguarding, Helen Tanner, were given a tour of the facility by Sean Danaher, Community Kitchen and Foodbank Manager, and Nathan Norris, Community Kitchen Assistant Manager.

Due to Covid-19, the foodbank has faced unprecedented demand, and since opening in 2020, it has provided enough food for over 22,000 residents - which is more than Turf Moor’s ground capacity.

Tony Philliskirk said: “We’ve been down here at the foodbank, and first and foremost, a big shout out to the U18s and U23s players and staff for donating the money to be able to go into Tesco and take the youth team shopping.

“At first it was fun, but as you are mixing around with them, you realise the magnitude and importance of it, and it makes everyone really realise how lucky we are.

“Listening to the boys as they were shopping, they were saying ‘let’s get this and let’s get that’ checking the dates and making sure they were buying non-perishable goods to last longer, but it’s really made them aware of how fortunate we are, and how difficult it is for some of the families generally at this time of year.

“Just listening to the staff here, they are saying they need 180 or 190 parcels next week for schools, we’ve managed to go shopping and donate, which will go a long way to helping families over the Christmas period, so we are so grateful that we can help.

“It’s great to give back, and even the young lads have the awareness of the situation, and the realisation that a lot of people in this world are less fortunate than we are, and if there’s any way that we can help, that’s great.”

Sean Danaher added: “It’s an absolutely amazing effort, and we’re so proud and grateful for their time and effort to come and support us.

“These brilliant young footballers have made this really generous donation which is going to go a long way in feeding families over the festive period.”

The foodbank at Burnley FC in the Community Kitchen is in need of support and donations in the run-up to Christmas, which can be made in the form of food as well as cash donations.