EPL clubs support communities during pandemic

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English Premier League (EPL) clubs have come up with a wide range of initiatives to support the United Kingdom National Health Service, charities, and communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

English Premier League (EPL) clubs have come up with a wide range of initiatives to support the United Kingdom National Health Service, charities, and communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

While the pandemic has forced the Chelsea Foundation to cancel its walking football sessions, the foundation is continuing its connection with participants.

Walking football coach Mark Blythe has stayed in touch with players, while the foundation has organised Zoom meetings featuring former Chelsea players Gary Chivers and Pat Nevin.

“Gary was also superb, not only engaging but at times he felt like an old friend and nothing seemed too much bother for him,” Chelsea Foundation walking football participant Vernon Ray told PremierLeague.com.

“It really did give me and many others something to look forward to.

“Giving your time is the greatest commodity one can offer. Chelsea have done this in abundance with ex-players, coaches, staff, etc. and to me that speaks volumes.”

Crystal Palace has delivered over 10,000 meals to vulnerable people and NHS frontline workers during the pandemic.

“We don’t have any support around us, or any family, they’re all back in South Africa. To know that Crystal Palace is providing for us is so nice and it’s such a great help for my family,” said Sarah, a pregnant mother who lost her job at the start of the pandemic and is getting support from The Palace Kitchen program.

Crystal Palace and its Palace for Life Foundation are partnering with the charity City Harvest London for the program – who have delivered over two million meals to people in need since the start of lockdown.

Tottenham Hotspur have allowed several hospital departments to use their self-named stadium.

“We are so thankful to the management at Tottenham Hotspur for this special support they’ve given to the NHS,” ultrasound manager and clinical specialist at the North Middlesex University Hospital Rogers Kalende said to PremierLeague.com.

“But then we had our tour and were shown the spacious rooms where we would have the scanning service. They were beautiful and had all the requirements we needed for the patients. It was ideal.”

Although the Premier League has returned, Tottenham plan to continue allowing these hospital departments access to the stadium, as one of the EPL clubs to support communities during this pandemic.

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Louie Acevski discusses NPL season 2025 and NST on SEN radio

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Image credit: Preston Lions FC

Preston Lions Senior Men’s Head Coach, Louie Acevski, went live on SEN Radio yesterday with Julian De Stoop to discuss the upcoming Victoria NPL season and National Second Tier competition (NST).

Having achieved promotion from the VPL1 after a successful 2024, the Lions will face a busy year in 2025.

Beginning on February 7, the Preston Lions will kick off their first match in the NPL with a game against Hume City at home. However, the Lions will also take part in the new NST competition in October.

Speaking on the season ahead, Acevski expressed his enthusiasm.

“Coming into NPL 1 season this year, where we haven’t been part of it for a long time, it’s exciting times,” Acevski said on radio.

“There’s derby games week in, week out, and we’re hoping to get anywhere between four to 6000 people per game on a Friday night. I know round one against Hume City will be a huge crowd.

“There will be some entertainment. Facilities are fantastic. Ground will be exceptional. Lights will be on, and cameras will be rolling.

“It’s a great product to watch and be a part of. I, to this day, still get goosebumps every time I walk out.”

Having achieved four promotions across the last six seasons, the Preston Lions have achieved immense success in a short time frame. However, Acevski was aware of the fraught competitiveness of the NPL.

“Expectations are very simple for us, It’s an unknown quantity at the moment,” he said.

“The NPL 1 is a very, very tough league, and we’re the new kids on the block. We’re just coming into it to put a bit of security and put the foundations down in NPL 1.”

At the end of the NPL season, Preston will take part in the recently created National Second Tier competition as a foundation club.

Acevski outlined the importance of the competition for Australian football.

“The B league is so important. The quicker we bring it in, the better,” he said.

“We need to give kids opportunities to grow further and become better players in a better environment, closer to a professional environment, and the B league will give us that.”

Preston will enter the 16-team competition as one of eight foundation clubs, hoping to become a mainstay in the tournament which will run from October to December next year.

“We’re in a really good place. The foundations have been constructed. We’re moving up to bigger and better things, and every year we’re just trying to improve as a club,” he continued to say.

“We just want to make and bring a product to Australian football that everybody wants to be a part of and wants to come and watch us on a Friday night.

“The success is not a one person show, you’re as good as your team in relation to your staff, players, committees, etcetera. We’re all on the same status and wavelength about what we want to do and how we want to go about it.

“Come this season, the B league, as an official home and away season is not commencing, but the Victoria NPL 1 season will be a short advertisement for it. You’ll the see the passion, love and support base around these games, and it’s just going to be a snippet of what the B league can and probably should be.”

To listen to the full interview, click here.

Workplace Law renews collaboration with Melbourne City FC

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Image credit: Melbourne City

Melbourne City FC has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Workplace Law, a leading provider of employment and workplace relations expertise, for another two years.

Following a successful inaugural season together, this renewal signifies an ongoing collaboration that highlights shared commitments to excellence, equality, and innovation.

Workplace Law continues to support City’s Women’s program, with their logo proudly displayed on the back of the A-League Women’s training kit.

Furthermore, the logo will feature on the matchday attire of City Women’s Head Coach, Michael Matricciani, reflecting Workplace Law’s unwavering dedication to advancing women in sport.

Melbourne City FC’s partnership with Workplace Law, backed by a history of driving success on and off the field, aligns with the Club’s goal of fostering a high-performance culture for its players and staff.

Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse, shared his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Workplace Law, a company that shares our passion for driving excellence and creating opportunities for women in sport,” he said via press release.

“Their support plays a vital role in ensuring our Women’s program can continue to thrive, both on and off the pitch. We look forward to achieving even greater success together over the next two years.”

Workplace Law Director and CEO, Shane Koelmeyer, shared this excitement.

“We absolutely love being part of the Melbourne City family and are delighted to extend our partnership for another two seasons. They are the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to creating the ideal high-performance environment for their coaches and players to thrive on and off the pitch,” he said via press release.

“The Club has a wonderful history of sustained success in both the women’s and men’s programs, and we look forward to sharing in, along with their other amazing partners, further success in the future.”

This partnership not only bolsters Melbourne City’s ALW program but also showcases Workplace Law’s commitment to empowering teams and individuals to excel.

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