Celebrating Local Heroes: Actonians LFC Shines in Community Engagement
Congratulations to the England football team for making us (semi) proud this weekend by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024!
On a more local note, it was a pleasure to interview Linda Fox, Club Chairperson at Actonians LFC, who proudly won Tier 4’s Community Club of the Year at the FAWNL Awards 2024.
Actonians LFC has made significant strides in community initiatives this season, demonstrating how sport and charity can work hand-in-hand. Since the start of the season, they have sent two players weekly to The Felix Project, a local charity that redistributes surplus food to those in need. During their last home game, players spotlighted The Felix Project by wearing its T-shirts during their warm-up.
Actonians LFC has also partnered with Amnesty International for their "Football Welcomes Refugees" initiative and has launched an LGBT project within the West London Community. They consistently give back, creating a better environment for locals and fans alike.
I spoke with Linda Fox about their remarkable achievements:
Congratulations on being crowned Community Club of the Year at The FA Women's National League Awards! Can you tell us more about how Actonians LFC integrates its ethos of community both on and off the pitch?
"Thank you, we are so proud to have received this award! We are a community club that aims to offer opportunities for females to play football regardless of ability or background. This ethos has created a family feel at the club, which players enjoy being part of. While we strive for success on the pitch, we value all our teams and players equally. Many of our players are involved in running the club, contributing their time, money, energy, and love to make it what it is.
Two years ago, we realised there was also an appetite for doing good off the pitch, so we set up our Actonians in the Community initiative. Led by Shadia Edwards-Dashti, it has grown with players, parents, and supporters regularly volunteering. It shows that we are more than just a football club."
Your collaboration with The Felix Project and initiatives for asylum seekers and refugees are truly inspiring. Could you share some memorable moments from these community engagements and how they've impacted both the participants and the club members?
"Both projects have been eye-opening and inspiring for us. Partnering with The Felix Project has allowed us to help combat food waste and food poverty, and meeting the other volunteers is equally inspiring. The Felix Project also contributed food to our "Football Welcomes Refugees" event, an Amnesty International initiative. These events have had incredible turnouts, bringing together refugees, asylum seekers, and our youth players. The smiles and shared love for football at these events are truly heartwarming."
Actonians LFC has been a safe and supportive space for many players, especially within the LGBT community. How has the club's inclusive environment influenced the personal and professional lives of its members, and what advice would you give to other clubs aiming to create a similar inclusive atmosphere?
"We aim to create an environment where everyone can be themselves and feel comfortable focusing on playing football. A diverse environment enriches everyone involved, and our success reflects this shared value. Being open, friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental is key. Policies are important, but embodying these values matters most. Many of our players have been with the club for years, forming lifelong friendships. Overcoming potential differences to pursue common goals shows our members that they can create and demand this inclusive atmosphere in other areas of their lives too."
Actonians LFC continues to exemplify how a football club can be a force for good, both on and off the pitch. Their commitment to community, inclusivity, and support sets a high standard for others to follow. We look forward to seeing their continued impact and success in the future.