South Shields FC Foundation Limited

South Shields FC Foundation Limited is a registered nonprofit organisation and charity based in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England. It operates under charity number 1176894. The Foundation was established in 2017 as the charitable arm of South Shields Football Club with a mission to improve the health and well-being of people living in some of the most deprived areas of North East England.

History and Background

The Foundation was created by Geoff Thompson, chairman of South Shields Football Club since 2015. Thompson, a local entrepreneur and business leader, founded the charitable arm to extend the club’s impact beyond sport into community health and welfare. Since its inception, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in community development and health promotion across a range of age groups[1][5].

Charitable Purpose

The primary charitable purpose of South Shields FC Foundation Limited is to support health and well-being among local populations. It focuses on activities that contribute to five key aspects of good health:

• Making new friends through social interaction
• Encouraging participation in physical activity
• Promoting mindfulness and present-focused awareness
• Supporting giving back and volunteering
• Enabling personal learning and skill development[1]

Activities and Services

The Foundation co-designs and delivers programs aimed at improving health outcomes by addressing social isolation, physical fitness, mental focus, community engagement, and education. Its activities include:

• Multi-sport and physical literacy programs tailored to school-age children (Key Stage 2), aimed at developing transferable life skills through sport and games
• Community volunteering and social inclusion initiatives
• Health workshops and support sessions to encourage mental well-being and active lifestyles[1]

The Foundation works in partnership with local schools, community groups, and health organisations to maximize social impact.

Governance and Structure

South Shields FC Foundation Limited operates as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Geoff Thompson continues to provide strategic leadership and financial support as founder and ongoing patron. The Foundation maintains safeguarding policies and a designated Safeguarding Officer to ensure the protection and well-being of all participants[1][5].

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending June 30, 2023, the Foundation reported a total income of approximately £387,082 with expenditures closely aligned at £384,467. These funds support its operational and programmatic delivery focused on community health and well-being[2].

Community Impact

The Foundation serves some of the most disadvantaged communities in the North East, working to reduce health inequalities and foster community cohesion through sport and related activities. Its approach integrates physical, mental, and social health dimensions to create a holistic impact on local residents’ quality of life[1].

South Shields FC Foundation Limited exemplifies the growing role of football clubs as catalysts for positive social change, leveraging sport as a vehicle to enhance public health and community resilience.

[1] https://www.southshieldsfc.co.uk/foundation [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1176894&subid=0 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5106381/full-print [4] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10257450 [5] https://www.southshieldsfc.co.uk/geoff-thompson