With inflation on the rise and energy costs soaring, millions of people across the UK are feeling the bite during this cost of living crisis.
Albion in the Community are acutely aware that many of the people we work with will be struggling financially this winter.
Football is the people’s game, and they want to do as much as they can to bring the game to everybody.
With that in mind, they would like to take the opportunity to highlight the support they have available for local people – whether that be through free football sessions, healthy meals, or financial assistance.
Holiday, Activities and Food programme (HAF)
HAF is a government-funded programme for children from lower-income households. Any school-aged child who receives free school meals is eligible for the programme.
Thanks to AITC's HAF funding they're able to offer a number of free places in our paid-for activities, giving kids from all backgrounds the chance to take part and enjoy a healthy lunch.
They have free HAF spaces available in the following programmes:
- Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer Schools (includes packed lunch)
- Gully’s Holiday Activity Camp (includes healthy breakfast and lunch)
If you are already part of the HAF scheme you can apply for places on their activities through your local council.
If you think you may be eligible for this programme but aren’t yet receiving free school meals, you can apply to your local authority here:
AITC Financial Support
AITC can provide support for participants who may not be able to attend their sessions because they face a financial barrier.
Therefore, a small percentage of places at their paid-for activities are held back for children in greater need who require financial assistance to attend the sessions.
AITC believe that their fees should not present a barrier to participants who are able to benefit from the opportunities that they offer, especially during when times are tough.
You can apply for support by filling in our Financial Support Form.
Free football for kids – Premier League Kicks
Besides AITC's paid-for activities, they also deliver free community football sessions all over Sussex.
Hundreds of young people regularly take part in the Premier League Kicks sessions: weekly football training and mentoring held at venues across Sussex, targeting areas of high need.
Through Premier League Kicks they hope to bring free football to as many kids in Sussex as they can – helping kids get active, make friends, and keep busy after school.
As part of this project, teenagers can also take part in a programme called Top Bins, which gives them targets to work towards to help them become positive members of their local communities.
Kids at Premier League Kicks have also been offered free football boots after they collected more than 300 pairs during an appeal last season, including some from our first team stars.
Premier League Kicks sessions are run all over East and West Sussex. You can sign up for one near you here.
AITC also offer a number of free programmes aimed at adults:
- Brighter Outlook – a health and fitness programme for people before, during, and after cancer treatment
- Family Learning & Early Years – basic numeracy sessions aimed at getting parents confident in helping their children with maths
- More Than Football – football sessions for men aged 30-50 struggling with their mental health
Healthy recipes on a budget – from AITC nutritionist Mari and Albion Head Chef Danny
Nutrition is an important part of football, but even more important in everyday life.
We’re lucky enough to have some nutrition experts in both the club and the charity, who have put together a series of healthy, tasty recipes that you can make on a budget.
From tasty snacks to meals that will fill the whole family, you can find a whole range of healthy dishes in the list of recipes below.
Click the links below to see the range of 29 tasty recipes.
Chicken and Mango Pockets recipe