Bray Wanderers FC launch our Football and Social Responsibility strategy - ‘Seagulls in the Community’

 

A proud evening for Bray Wanderers FC as we launched our Football and Social Responsibility strategy, ‘Seagulls in the Community’ in the Fanzone at the Carlisle Grounds. 

A large crowd turned out on Friday with FAI officials, TD’s, Councillors from across the county, the HSE, local Sports Partnership, Bray Chamber of Commerce, Sponsors, partner and affiliate clubs as well as members of the local community. 

Club Chairman Tony Richardson spoke about the journey so far under his stewardship, and how community was always going to be a key element in terms of the ambitions of this club. 

“We have shown our intentions with the work we've done over the past year in particular, so with the support of the FAI and Healthy Communities, this strategy is the very natural next step as we look to consolidate that work and build on it with key strategic partners. Seagulls in the Community represents a sincere commitment to leveraging our position as a football club to uplift, support, and engage with our diverse local community. It is testament to our belief in the power of collaboration, education, and sustainability to create a better, more inclusive community for all,” he said. 

Bray’s FSR Officers Dermot O'Brien and Robbie Doyle shared some examples of the programmes at the centre of Seagulls in the Community while outlining the future ambitions of the strategy. 

The success of Walking Football, Primary school programmes, community outreach, Down Syndrome Futsal, climate champions, collaborative work with other agencies and the huge potential for positive impacts represent a solid scaffolding for continuing the positive momentum that has already been created. 

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council – who is a former referee - Cllr Paul O'Brien commended the strategy and acknowledged in particular how volunteers within football clubs are so important. 

Cllr O'Brien reflected on how a willingness to be “innovative and ambitious is a key element of positive change, and when we work together, we will always achieve more than if we work in isolation”. 

Also, on the night a new suite of social media accounts dedicated to Seagulls in the Community were launched.