Sands United FC South Yorkshire and Sands United FC Basingstoke have been named as winners of separate Make a Difference Awards in the ‘Active’ category.

Sands United FC Nottingham also received a ‘Highly Commended’ award and Sands United FC Ashby were shortlisted as a finalist in the same category.

The ‘Active’ award is given to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.

The BBC Make a Difference Awards are annual recognition events hosted by local and national BBC radio stations across the UK to celebrate everyday unsung heroes and community champions.

John Drury, volunteer Team Manager at Sands United FC South Yorkshire said:

Being recognised for individual awards such as the BBC Make a Difference Awards is always an honour, but the bigger picture when being nominated for these kinds of awards is the awareness it raises.

If just one man sees or hears about the work we do through this nomination and seeks support from the club, then that is, in and of itself, bigger than any trophy.

On a personal note, opportunities like this give me the chance to talk about Arthur and share his story — something that, at times, we can go significant periods without doing.

Being able to keep his story alive and knowing that he has helped so many people is something I’ll be forever proud of.

 

Stephen Kelly, volunteer Team Manager at Sands United FC Basingstoke said: 

Winning this award is a proud achievement, and I will always be grateful for winning it and for the time and effort someone took to nominate me.

While the win is deeply appreciated, I believe the awareness generated by moments like these is the most important part. They encourage people to talk about baby loss, share their own experiences, and help break down the stigma that can still surround the subject.

We have had so many people come forward wanting to support the team, whether through providing services, helping to raise awareness, or offering donations.

Being part of Sands United FC Basingstoke gives bereaved dads an opportunity to remember and represent their babies, while finding support from others who understand their journey.

I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and of the supportive community that continues to grow around it.

 

Raj Chagger, volunteer Team Manager Sands United FC Nottingham said:

We’re incredibly proud that Sands United FC Nottingham received a Highly Commended Award in the Active category at the BBC Radio Nottingham Make a Difference Awards.

To see a football team created specifically to support men following the death of a baby recognised in this way means more than I can really put into words.

 

Matt Buckley, volunteer Team Manager at Sands United FC Ashby said:

We as Sands United FC Ashby are so proud to be nominated at the BBC Making a Difference Awards, this recognition is justification for the time and effort that goes into providing peer to peer support across Sands United FC Ashby.

 

Craig Spivey, Sands United Programme Lead said: 

It's amazing that four of our Sands United teams were nominated for Make a Difference Awards.

This shows the true impact Sands United teams have in their local communities and is a recognition of the work that goes into running the teams from our dedicated volunteers. 

All four nominees are a fantastic representation of how Sands United uses peer to peer support to support bereaved dads, and their families.

A huge well done to all.

 

Read more about the Make A Difference Awards on the BBC.

Learn more about Sands United and other volunteering opportunities at Sands.