Walsall midfielder Brandon Comley is working with the Walsall FC Foundation to create a new Saddlers Players Outreach initiative in a bid to support families and the homeless over the winter months.Over the next 4 months, Comley, several of his teammates, and the Foundation will work with local partners to support those most in need. The first phase of the project has seen the players donate toys and clothes for children in the lead up to Christmas.
These items have been delivered to the Early Years and Family Support Hubs run by Walsall Council. In the New Year, there will also be a collection of items to support Walsall Outreach and their efforts to feed the homeless in Walsall.
Speaking via the club's official website, Comley, who helped to shape the project, said: "The players recognise that Walsall FC is a club that works hard to support the local community.
"I wanted to lead a project to support people who need it most and spoke to the Foundation about how we could do that, so after a few phone calls, emails and conversations we created the Saddlers Player Outreach project.
"The first effort has seen the lads and staff donate outgrown toys and clothes from home and has even seen the players without children buy and donate much needed items such as clothes, toys and toiletries.
"I am so grateful to everyone who has supported my idea as we look to help children, families and people across Walsall this winter."
The project also saw the Foundation’s new Kia Sportage, provided by Acorn Kia (Burntwood), put to good use to collect the donations from the training ground and deliver them to the Early Years and Families Hub — the donations filled the car!
Head of Foundation, Adam Davy, added: "Our players and first team staff are always supportive of Foundation projects.
"At the start of each season, we pop to the training ground to speak to the players about the season ahead and how they can help support our work, but this year, Brandon approached me with his idea to do even more as players.
"He has led the campaign and organised the first collection of toys, clothes and toiletries.
"I was able to link in with our contacts to ensure that the effort from the players reached those most in need.
"This is such an amazing gesture from the players, going above and beyond to lead a new initiative.
"This is just the start of the project, as the players plan more collections in the New Year to raise funds for Walsall Outreach.
"This next phase will give supporters the opportunity to get involved and help raise funds, while the players will have even more engagement with Foundation activities.
"Walsall FC, the Foundation, players and supporters continue to ensure that we continue to change lives through football."
The initiative also comes in addition to plans for the club’s upcoming Christmas matchday, against Shrewsbury on Saturday, 13th December, where supporters are encouraged to donate food and toys for local food banks and hospitals.
Main image: Walsall FC.