Nine honourable members of the Salford community were awarded on the pitch last week during halftime at The Peninsula.
The members of Foundation 92’s ‘Community XI’ were awarded and applauded on the pitch at the interval of the Salford City game against Colchester United.
The Community XI was announced in January as part of the EFL’s community weekend and Foundation 92 chose their eleven individual heroes who were making the biggest impact on their communities.
Kiaron Smith is a Premier League Kicks participant and was chosen due to giving back to his community.
Stood in his Salford City shirt, Kiaron confirmed he was a Salford fan, saying: “When I found out, I got on my knees and started crying. I was so happy to come here and do this today. It’s such a pleasure, I love doing this. I was even happier (when I found out I was going onto the pitch).”
Scarlett Siddall, who is 11 years old, was recognised for overcoming challenges and for participating in all the sports on offer for Foundation 92’s Premier League stars program. Scarlett said: “It was a little nerve wracking but when I found out my head teacher was coming along too, it was much more comforting! Experiencing this, will teach me how to do better in football; this is my fifth real life match!”
Scarlett said she plays football at school and her headteacher, who is also in the XI, chimed in, saying: “She plays more now thanks to self-belief, which is why she got the award.”
Her headteacher Wendy McCormack was recognized for tirelessly supporting young people in Salford. She is an executive headteacher of multiple schools across Salford.
Wendy said: “I was a bit shocked but I thought our schools deserve it! We do a lot of work around inclusion and mental health, Foundation 92 works in all our Salford schools and we have full time mental health counselling in school. Being presented on the pitch is just humbling, its lovely, but we don’t do our work for reward. We are quietly getting on with what is important, children come first and their physical and mental health.”
Cruz Lamb, 12, was left confused by the decision to be chosen for this team, yet was equally proud, saying: “It was a bit confusing, I didn’t really think I would be one of the people to come onto the pitch, but when I found out I got invited to go on I was excited and happy.
“It’s nice to come and see Salford City and all the players.”
George Marsh was recognised for the Community XI and was recently appointed Salford City and Foundation 92’s Community Captain as part of the Premier League’s More Than A Game Campaign. He was appointed for managing the walking football team and his dedication to the game and raising the profile of this in Salford.
He was presented the award by Salford City manager Karl Robinson and club captain Elliot Watt before kick-off in Salford’s win against Barrow.
George said: “To meet the manager, the captain and get a frame like that was great, so I’m very proud. I’m a Salford City fan and have been for about 10 years now so I’m a very proud guy to be chosen for the eleven- it’s a great honour! It’s amazing to go in front of the fans and to go on the pitch- it’s brilliant.”
He spoke on why he created the walking football group, saying: “I got to a situation where I couldn’t play contact sport anymore through an injury, so I set up walking football in the area for men and women over 50 years of age who enjoy playing football still and never would have thought of it. We have around 30 men that play football regularly, now we have over 20 girls playing in less than a year, it’s great.”
All members of the XI were awarded with their own dedicated section in the matchday program, and this explained their positive impact and contribution to their communities.
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