Fatboy’s support for the Foundation
Albion fans will already be familiar of the massive contribution Norman Cook (better known as DJ Fatboy Slim) has made to the club.
Over the years, Norman has also given his time, support, and energy to help the Foundation.“I like to think of myself as old friend of the Foundation,” Norman says.
“Obviously I’ve had connections with the Albion for many, many years. I was the shirt sponsor for nine years and owned shares in the club.”
As a fan of the club and a Sussex local, Norman is keen to support the Foundation wherever he can.
“I live in this area, I support this team, so it’s only natural that I want to support the work the Foundation is doing and get involved. I lend whatever support I can.”
Norman’s support for the charity goes back many years, stretching back to when our name was Albion in the Community.
“I was sent out in the field many years ago for a project called Coaching For Hope. For the first 10 years or so I was working out in South Africa and Burkina Faso where the charity had coaching programmes.
“Now, we’re based a lot more locally and I’m getting more involved again. It’s constantly evolving, and I’m really enjoying supporting the charity.”
Norman has supported plenty of Foundation fundraising initiatives in recent years – including our annual Christmas bauble auction – and he was part of the judging panel during our Rainbow Laces shirt design competition earlier this season.
Recently, Norman has been spending more time at Foundation football sessions.
“I’ve been hanging out at some of the different programmes, I played in goal for the amputee team recently.
“I’ve met a lot of amazing people through the Foundation. It’s humbling and beautiful to see the Foundation’s work and to meet all the people involved.”
Norman is a big advocate for football giving back to the community.
“Community work like this is definitely not something everyone would expect a football club to do. I know that a lot of bigger clubs don’t do this work on the same level that we do, which is something Albion fans can feel proud about.
“The wide reach and scope of the Foundation’s work is something that always pleasantly surprises me, it reaches so many different parts of the community.
“A lot of people in football say a lot about helping the community, but the Foundation actually really does. It goes right into the most deprived areas of the community, helps the people who need it most.
“I think a lot of observers would be amazed to see the breadth and depth of what the Foundation does.”