Couple launch Football for Foodbanks initiative in Chesterfield

An initiative which sees people playing football while helping to tackle food poverty is set to kick off in Chesterfield.
By Michael Broomhead
Published 12th Aug 2021, 15:49 GMT
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Football for Foodbanks (FFF) will launch in the town next month, overseen by Jack Emmens and his girlfriend Amy Calpin.

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FFF, which started in Sheffield last year, invites residents to enjoy the beautiful game and make vital donations to local foodbanks.

Jack Emmens and Amy Calpin, who are setting up a new initiative in Chesterfield which sees people playing football and donating to foodbanks. Picture by Brian Eyre.Jack Emmens and Amy Calpin, who are setting up a new initiative in Chesterfield which sees people playing football and donating to foodbanks. Picture by Brian Eyre.
Jack Emmens and Amy Calpin, who are setting up a new initiative in Chesterfield which sees people playing football and donating to foodbanks. Picture by Brian Eyre.
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Teacher Jack, 29, of Walton, said: “We’re open to all levels of experience and ability – regardless of whether you’re the next Lionel Messi or you just look messy when trying to play, everyone will be doing their part and raising money for the local community.

“Let’s say we hire a 5-a-side pitch for £30. We charge our players £4 a match with the extra tenner going into a kitty. At the end of the month, we do a big shop and drop it all off at a local foodbank.

“As someone who’s never felt good enough to play regularly for a team, FFF has been brilliant for me.

“Of course there’s the friendly competition during a match but at the end of it we all know that the biggest winner is the local community who will be receiving a van load of food at the end of the month.

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“Before joining the Sheffield division I’d only ever really played 6-a-side football, but since then have had the opportunities to play 5s, 7s, 9s and even 11-a-side for the first time.

“There really are matches to suit everybody.”

Amy, 25, also a teacher, added: “Unlike Jack, I played 11-a-side football for about 10 years before going to university.

“When I started at Football for Foodbanks I hadn’t played for six years so I was really nervous because I wasn’t sure what level to expect or what the expectations would be of my own skills.

“That worry quickly disappeared and I have loved every minute of playing with such a great group.

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“So far, I have had the opportunity to play 6s, 7s, 9s and 11-a-side games, as well as a 5-a-side tournament which was a whole new experience for me.

“It’s definitely a group for all abilities and has a great atmosphere.”

To get involved in the Chesterfield men’s division of FFF, visit https://bit.ly/3lUHbzN

To join the women and gender minorities division, visit https://bit.ly/3xABKs4

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Related topics:ChesterfieldFootballDerbyshire