The Meridian Foundation served 4,000 free meals and ran 120 coaching sessions across six schools in the city over the summer holidays, its largest programme since the charity was founded in 2011.
Sessions ran four days a week from 10:00 to 14:00, with lunch provided by the club’s catering partner. Every child who attended received a place at a Meridian home match in September.
By the numbers
- 4,000 meals across six schools.
- 120 coaching sessions led by 14 Foundation coaches.
- 610 children registered, 71 per cent from families receiving free school meals.
“Football is the reason they come through the door. The meal, the routine and the coaches who know their names are the reason they come back.”
Yusuf Karim, Foundation director
Autumn programme
After-school sessions resume on 14 September at all six schools. The Foundation is also opening a Saturday morning club at Fairlow for children who have completed the summer programme.
