Football clubs are about more than just sport. They embody hope, passion, and a sense of belonging.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Cardiff City FC Community Foundation has been the charitable arm of Cardiff City Football Club.
We leverage the passion and connection that people have with the club to create real change in our communities. Through the foundation, we harness these qualities to transform lives.
Our foundation operates on a “Hat-Trick of Goals,” focusing on three key areas:
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Supporting learning and skills development
- Strengthening communities.
Every week, our dedicated team works across Cardiff and the surrounding areas, delivering programmes in schools and community settings, with an estimated annual social impact valued at around £17.9 million. This impact is not just a number – it represents lives changed and futures shaped for the better.
One of the most powerful elements of our work is the connection people feel to Cardiff City FC.
Whether it’s a young person attending a session that keeps them engaged and away from anti-social behaviour, or someone who has gained skills and education through one of our programmes, the club acts as a bridge to opportunity. This connection fosters a sense of pride and belonging, creating a community that supports one another.
Our work is diverse, spanning everything from education programmes in primary schools to weight management initiatives for football fans. We’re currently active in around 130 venues, using football as a tool to engage people of all ages. For example, in primary schools, we support children not only in being active but in developing critical life skills. Meanwhile, our Bluebirds weight management programme helps adults achieve a healthy lifestyle while also building social connections.
We’re making a significant impact in education. We’ve been able to offer alternative pathways for young people who might not thrive in a traditional academic setting.
Through football, these young people can study courses like a BTEC in sports or even pursue a degree in sports management. For many, these opportunities have been life-changing, opening up new futures that might otherwise have seemed out of reach.
The foundation’s work also extends beyond education and wellbeing. For example, we’ve been committed to promoting disability inclusion, both in schools and in the community. One project we’re particularly proud of is the sensory room at Cardiff City Stadium, which allows children with additional learning needs and their families to experience matchdays in a comfortable and accessible way. This space is also used during the week by schools, making it an invaluable resource for families in Cardiff.
We’ve often been described as one of the best-kept secrets in the community, but it’s time to share our story more widely. As we continue to build partnerships, particularly with the business community, we see incredible opportunities for collaboration.
Partnering with the foundation can help businesses engage employees, build teams, raise their profile and deliver social value commitments all whilst making a tangible difference in the lives of those in Cardiff and surrounding areas.
The future is bright for Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, and the work we do wouldn’t be possible without the support of Cardiff City FC, particularly CEO Ken Choo, our team of coaches, teachers, and mentors, and the wider community.
What drives us forward is the knowledge that we are making a real difference in people’s lives.
Together, we’re creating a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive Cardiff, and we invite the business community to join us in making an even greater impact.
