Hundreds visit Foundation’s family fun day
Around 700 local people visited the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation’s family fun day in Falmer on Wednesday (23 July).
The fun day, which was held as part of the charity’s 35th anniversary celebrations, was a free day of family activities based in and around the Amex Stadium.
Hundreds of local children took part in activities including mini football tournaments, a shot-power speed gun, football darts, and an inflatable target goal.
Albion mascot Gully was a popular figure at the event, with many families taking the opportunity to get a picture with the famous seagull.
The charity’s disability football department also hosted a number of activities, giving children the chance to try out disability sports including blind football, one-legged penalty shootouts, wheelchair basketball, and seated volleyball.
There was also colouring, face-painting, a balloon artist, a game involving the Foundation’s mini STEM robots, and an Albion shirt raffle on offer.
Matt Dorn, CEO of the BHAFC Foundation, thanked supporters for turning up in their hundreds.
“We were delighted to welcome so many families to our fun day on Wednesday,” he said.
“We wanted to celebrate our 35th birthday in a big way and to give something back, so we’re glad that so many young people could enjoy a fun day of activities for free at the start of the summer holidays.
“There were a lot of smiling faces on Wednesday and it looked like everyone had a fantastic time. We hope to see many of them again at some of our activities next season.”
Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Bella Sankey and her family were among the visitors.
She said: “Thank you very much to the team for such a fun day. We all loved it, so many great activities. You’re all brilliant.”
The family fun day was supported in part by the Premier League. Alex White, Chief Executive of the Premier League Charitable Fund, said: “The Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation has been a shining example of how football can be a powerful force for good.
“Their commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and supporting communities across Sussex over the past 35 years is truly inspiring.
“On behalf of the Premier League Charitable Fund, I want to thank Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and Foundation for their unwavering dedication to delivering meaningful community impact.”
