On Friday 23^rd January, Derby County Community Trust saw their EFL Community Weekend Fixture held as the Rams played West Bromwich Albion.

During the weekend fixtures between 23^rd-31^st January, all EFL clubs will highlight the incredible community work being carried out across the network.

As part of the plethora of activations held by Derby County Community Trust at the fixture, the “Bring a Pound to the Ground” fundraising initiative was introduced to encourage fans to donate £1 to support the vital work of the Trust. Collections taken pre-match raised a fantastic £3,055.  

Matchday responsibilities on the evening were given to some of the Trust’s younger participants. Including players from the Female Talent Pathway Under-13s squad who formed part of the guard of honour and participants from the Trust’s Talent Identification Programme, who made up the ball retrieval team for the fixture.

Alongside this, Physical Activity and Health Officer, Sara was situated inside of Harrison’s Hub hosting a number of indoor craft activities for families before kick-off.  

During half-time, the Trust’s Parkinson’s Walking Football team, also known as the “Parkie Rams” were given the opportunity to play a small 4v4 match on the pitch.

As part of the Community Weekend fixtures the EFL launched Scan to Smile, a feelgood initiative designed to spread positivity, beat the January blues and shine a spotlight on the life-changing work delivered by Football Club charities. Derby County’s story was shared by Mick, a member of the ‘Parkie Rams’ who said that the programmes he is part of are helping him through his health conditions.

Friday’s matchday squad will also be signing Derby County Community Trust branded t-shirts which will be raffled with all proceeds going directly to the Trust. Keep an eye on DCFC and DCCT social media for details on how to enter the draw for a chance to win.

For more information on the EFL Community Weekends and the impact of EFL Club community work please visit https://www.efl.com/.