Cityzens announce Charity of the Year

Reading City Football Club is delighted to announce that Launchpad will become the club’s first official charity ahead of the 23/24 Season.

Home stadium. Home colours. Home game. As a football club we know the importance of home. But each night across England thousands of people will be sleeping on the streets, with many more likely to be in hostels, on friends’ sofas or even sleeping in cars. This is something we can’t ignore.

Launchpad is Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, providing vital information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have a stable place to live, or are at risk of losing their home.

For every season ticket, membership, or general admission ticket we sell, our online ticket partner Ticketpass will donate 50% of their booking fee to Launchpad.

We also have some exciting ideas in the pipeline in order to raise even more funds, including a charity football match.

Ryan Sheehan, Head of Marketing, Communications & Engagement at Reading City Football Club said:

“As a club we’re really looking forward to our partnership with Launchpad. I’ve personally supported Launchpad in the past through volunteering and participating in their Big Sleep Out event so I know just how hard they work. At a time where the number of people in the community suffering from homelessness is sadly going up, we felt that we had to do our bit to help and following positive discussions with Launchpad we’re delighted to formally announce them as our first ever official charity.”

Louise Wheeler, Fundraising Manager for Launchpad said:

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Reading City Football Club Together, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need across Reading.

Through this partnership, we will be able to reach more people, we are grateful for Reading City Football Club’s support and look forward to working together”.

Recent Figures released by the Government*, show that the number of people sleeping rough in England has risen for the first time in four years. 

London and the South East accounted for nearly half (47%) of all the people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022.

The figures also reveal that in the South East in 2021, there were 445 rough sleepers and in 2022 this figure is 572, a rise of 29%.

Reading is the second highest area in the South East for rough sleepers which has risen since the previous count.

* Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Note to editors

For more information, high resolution images or spokespeople, please contact:

Rick Lay, Marketing Manager rick.lay@launchpadreading.org.uk

T: 0118 950 7656   M: 0759 3437 309

Ryan Sheehan, Head of Marketing, Communications & Engagement media@readingcityfc.co.uk

Mobile: 07546349992

 About Launchpad: 

Launchpad is Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, providing vital information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home.

 Founded as a soup kitchen in 1979 by students at the University of Reading, the charity has grown into a holistic service, which helps vulnerable people in the town tackle their housing-related problems, obtain and sustain a long-term home, and lead full and independent lives.

Our drop-in, legal advice and floating support services prevent homelessness by helping people overcome housing-related challenges before they get worse. We aim to break the cycle of homelessness by providing temporary homes with bespoke support for up to 104 people in Reading, as well as 12 long-term homes in the town for people in housing need. Launchpad also helps vulnerable people learn new skills, build confidence and gain employment at our work and life skills centre, Launchpad 135.

 Last year, we helped over 1,100 people in housing crisis – which included rough sleepers, people facing unlawful eviction, sofa surfers, people in emergency B&Bs, and those struggling with mental health, debt and addiction. 

 We believe everyone in Reading deserves a safe, clean and stable home, and the chance of a positive future - and our services work to achieve this. 

With the support and generosity of Reading residents, last year, we helped over 1,100 people in housing crisis – which included rough sleepers, people facing unlawful eviction, sofa surfers, people in emergency B&Bs, and those struggling with mental health, debt and addiction. 

For more information about Launchpad, or to donate, visit: launchpadreading.org.uk

 About Reading City Football Club:

Reading City Football Club, commonly known as The Cityzens are a non-profitable, grassroots community-based football club based at the Rivermoor Stadium, located in Scours Lane, Tilehurst, Reading and are proudly affiliated to the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Football Association and an England Football Accredited Club.

Our formation came as part of Highmoor AFC's 50 year celebration in 2018.

Club secretary, Chris Gallimore took over the role in 1990 and recruited, the now chairman, Martin Law, to become first team manager in 1992 and between them assembled a strong squad of players and success was to follow. The club thrived, with regular promotions, league and cup doubles, being the first club to win the current Thames Valley Premier League unbeaten. The reserves are still the only reserve side to win the same Reading Step 7 League. After winning the league promotion to the Uhlsport Hellenic League in 2012 meant moving and playing at Palmer Park, the current location here at The Rivermoor was secured in 2018 and after 50 years it was decided to change the name to Reading City. This decision was not taken lightly however the community of Reading has yearned for a semi-professional club behind Reading Football Club to represent Reading and give local players the opportunity to play for a Reading based team as Reading.

The pathway for the club begins with the Sunday morning development centre for 4–6-year olds through to our First Team. This pathway will become the life blood of the club, over the coming years.

For more information about Reading City Football Club, visit www.readingcityfc.co.uk