Notts County broke the national league attendance record on the 19th November vs Yeovil Town in a dominant but frustrating game, resulting in a 0-0 draw. In the build up to this, the club devised an initiative where fans could purchase extra tickets that Notts County Foundation could distribute to members of the community that not ordinarily be able to attend a match. The amazing fans donated 379 tickets that we distributed to support groups around Nottingham. One of which was Nottingham Refugee Forum, a charity that supports Refugees and Asylum seekers to settle in the city and the wider community. For many, this was the first football game they have attended and will have helped them adjust to our local community. As part of this, Notts County Foundation produced a short documentary film called “It’s more than just a game” to raise awareness on the work they do with Nottingham Refugee Forum. In the film, you can hear from a refugee about the impact that visiting Notts County had on them.
Notts County Foundation Marketing and Communications Coordinator Harry Dalzell said about the ticket distribution scheme: “To witness and be a part of such a fantastic initiative during my first month of working at Notts County Foundation is incredible. In the current economic climate, the club has proved that we are devoted to being a community club and will hopefully set a precedent for other clubs in making football more affordable and accessible.”
Juliette Bone, Client Participation Worker at Nottingham Refugee Forum said in the short film: “Being able to go to a football match, join in with the community and really engage with the sport itself is something that will have helped their mental health a lot. They don’t speak much English, but it’s the sentiment that they got from the match which was incredible.”
Mulugeta, an Ethiopian refugee supported by Nottingham Refugee Forum said: “Nottingham is so beautiful, the weather is beautiful, the people are beautiful. The way of their approach is so nice and cool. We just make friends here with the guys. They are beautiful and welcoming.”
If you would like to view the short film, click one of the links below:
