Welcome back to another episode of the "Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast" or simply "Sutton Podcast." In this episode, host Mike delves into an enlightening conversation with Harry Dunne, Sutton United’s dedicated Foundation Coach. We're here to give you a detailed look at what unfolded during this captivating chat.
Introduction
In this episode, Mike sits down with Harry Dunne, catching up with him since his last appearance on the show. Harry reflects on his experiences, the evolution of his role, and the dedication it takes to manage multiple community projects. From overseeing various initiatives to handling all the behind-the-scenes work, Harry shares the trials, triumphs, and everything in between.
Key Discussion Points
Day-to-Day Life and Responsibilities
Community Engagement Projects
Challenges and Achievements
Funding and Financial Constraints
Future Plans and Community Impact
Day-to-Day Life and Responsibilities
Being a part of the Sutton United Foundation is not your regular 9-to-5 job. As Harry explains, his days are a flurry of activities ranging from administrative work to hands-on community engagement. Each week is packed with sessions at various schools, after-school clubs, and community centers, all aimed at bringing football closer to underrepresented groups.
“I work full time at a football club, professional football club that I also support, you know, and it's 15 minutes from my house. Not just that, but I don't have any of the pressure, it’s all out with local people. It’s a great job.” - Harry Dunne
Community Engagement Projects
Harry gives us a glimpse of the core community projects the Foundation is focusing on:
Girls and Women in Football: Weekly training sessions in local schools to encourage girls to take up football.
Additional Needs and Disabilities: Weekly sessions at SEN schools to integrate children with additional needs.
Youth Engagement: Free turn-up football sessions in underprivileged areas to keep youth engaged and active.
School Collaborations
Key to these projects is collaborating with local schools like Harris Academy in Merton and Carshalton. These collaborations aim to provide ample opportunities for girls and students with special needs to participate in football, thus fostering an inclusive community.
Challenges and Achievements
One notable achievement Harry shares is the significant growth in participation. For instance, from initially small groups, sessions now see mid-twenties in attendance, indicating a positive response from the community.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. Funding remains a constant hurdle, especially after relegation. The Foundation relies heavily on grants and donations, which require meticulous applications and significant effort.
“We went overnight about £55,000 short of where we would usually be, which was obviously quite a hit.” - Harry Dunne
Funding and Financial Constraints
Running community programs is expensive, even if they are free for participants. Costs include booking pitches, purchasing equipment, and compensating staff. The Foundation’s core funding previously came from the EFL trust but took a hit after relegation, leaving a significant shortfall.
The Impact of Relegation
Relegation eliminated certain key funds from the EFL, complicating financial plans. Despite this setback, Harry and his team continue to hustle for grants, making a tremendous effort to secure financial sustainability.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Harry’s vision for the future includes expanding reach and impact. Plans are in place to engage more schools and provide football sessions tailored to various community needs.
Upcoming Initiatives
Parkinson's Walking Football: Collaborating with Parkinson's UK to initiate specialized walking football sessions.
Community Football Projects: Scaling up to more days and more locations, aiming to embed football deeper into the community fabric.
“It relies really, really heavily on what funding is available and not just that, but how easy it is to get.” - Harry Dunne
Community Engagement and Interaction
Harry stresses the importance of community involvement in making these initiatives successful. From businesses providing sponsorships to individuals volunteering their time, every bit of help can significantly impact the Foundation’s operations.
“Don’t forget the engagement. We love hearing from you. Lots of likes, tweets and all the rest of it, all the socials. I really, really do enjoy it and it does help spread the word so you don’t have to suffer alone. Your friends can suffer too.” - Mike
How You Can Help
Volunteer: There are numerous roles that need staffing, from administrative help to on-ground support during events.
Sponsorships: Businesses or individuals can sponsor programs to ensure their continuity.
Raise Awareness: Follow the Foundation’s activities on social media, and help spread the word.
Calls to Action
We encourage everyone to get involved with the Sutton United community. Your engagement, whether by following on social media, volunteering, or even just showing up for the games, can make a significant difference.
Conclusion
This episode of the Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast offers a heartwarming look at the dedication and hard work that goes into the Foundation. Harry’s passion for his job and the community shines through, making it clear that while there are challenges, the impact these programs have on local lives is immeasurable.
For more details and ways to engage, follow @SuttonPodcast on social media and consider subscribing to keep updated on all things Sutton United.
Join us next time for another exciting episode filled with behind-the-scenes insights and in-depth discussions.
Take care, and see you soon!
Stay Connected with Sutton United & Sutton Podcast
Join our community on social media for the latest updates, exclusive content, and engaging conversations. Don't miss out on the Sutton Podcast for in-depth match analysis, player interviews, and more!
Bookmark our one stop page for all updates
Follow Us:
Listen to the Sutton Podcast: Catch our latest episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other platforms.
Contact: If you have any questions, feedback or comments please reach out on any of the socials with @suttonpodcast
Share this post