Community Foundation

February’s #TeamTalk with Jon Stead a huge success

There was another great attendance at our monthly #TeamTalk in partnership with MIND and the EFL Trust, Thursday week. Our special guest was Jon Stead who shared some great stories about key points within his professional career. There was also a fun quiz and a chance to talk through some of the challenges we are al facing during lockdown. Our next Team Talk will be taking place on Zoom, 7pm on Thursday 25th March. The whole purpose is to urge supporters to stay connected and keep the conversation going around mental health. To book a place on our March #TeamTalk, email community@harrogatetownafc. com now to receive the Zoom link. We will be announcing a special guest nearer to the time.

Bailey’s winning design ready to be made in to a real flag!

As part of our ‘25 Days of Christmas’ campaign in 2020 we set a competition – to design a flag to be displayed at The EnviroVent Stadium. The winner Bailey aged 9, can be very proud of his design. We are in the process of sending the design off to be made into a real flag. We might even get the real Harry Gator to pose next to it!

Tom Blackburn

Community Officer

Tom Blackburn is a key part of our Community Team. But what makes him tick?

Where did you work before Harrogate Town AFC?

I worked at York City FC Foundation as a Community Coach, going in to schools delivering sessions and getting involved in Futsal, Sporting Memories and Matchday.

Your role has got bigger since starting with HTAFC Community Foundation in January 2019. How have you found this?

Great! The way that my role has grown has really helped with my development and confidence. There have been challenges along the way, but all of them have helped me expand my knowledge. The way the Foundation is growing week by week is so exciting!

What would you like to achieve, working within the Community Foundation?

The expansion and development of the Foundation is something that I am passionate about. I would like to be known for someone who can co-ordinate a range of programmes that inspire local people to be healthy and reach their potential.

If you weren’t a Community Officer what would you be?

I would like to be a Professional Futsal player, failing that just working in Sport! Possibly Sports Psychology or a job where I can help people improve their performance.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work/football?

I enjoy to keep fit, run and play some golf (when the weather allows).

What is your favourite food?

I am a big fan of Thai cuisine, in particular a Massaman curry.

What is your faviourite TV show or movie?

Pulp Fiction is my favourite, or anything directed by Quentin Tarantino. You cant beat a bit of Match of the Day.

What advice would you give to people during this tough time?

Stay active, whether that is physically or maybe doing a wordsearch or suduko. Try and learn new things and make sure you stay connected with friends and family.

Hopefully the future will allow us to travel or check off a few items on our bucket lists! Do you have any plans or thoughts about what you might want to do?

Japan, New Zealand and South America are on my lists of places to visit and experience the culture. I also want to sky dive (if possible over the Palm Tree Islands) in Dubai.

For more details about Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation, or to get involved as a participant or volunteer, please email community@harrogatetownafc.com