It was a day to remember for us at Newark as the Barclays Premier League Trophy and Barclays Women’s Super League Trophy took centre stage at the Village on Friday 7 November, giving local people a rare opportunity to see two of football’s most iconic prizes up close.
From young children to lifelong football fans, visitors of all ages came together to share in the excitement. Hundreds of members of the public attended throughout the day.
Both trophies were displayed on individual plinths in the Conference Room, where guests were able to take photographs and celebrate the occasion. The event began with our Newark Business Club enjoying an exclusive viewing, followed by visits from YMCA Nursery children and local schools including Greenfields Academy, Grantham and The Sir Donald Bailey Academy, who brought 150 students for afternoon activity sessions.
Throughout the morning and afternoon, our Youth Leaders ran a packed programme of activities to inspire and engage the school children, including Gaga ball, multi-sports, interactive science, 3D animation, foot-golf, and football. The aim was to offer a mix of fun and creativity that appealed to all interests, not just football.
Barclays also ran a money management session tailored for children, helping them build confidence and understanding around budgeting and everyday finances in a fun, hands-on way.
Declan Barker, Head of Programmes here at YMCA Newark & Sherwood, said:
“When Barclays approached us about bringing the Premier League and Women’s Super League Trophies to Newark, we were really pleased to host them at YMCA Village. Barclays is a great supporter of our work in the community. This event is a lovely way to celebrate that partnership. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our visitors and young people across Newark to see the trophies up close and raise aspirations of children and youth across Newark and Sherwood.”
Families were thrilled to see the trophies up close and be part of the special day. Sam Parfitt, mum to Freddy (6), said,
“It’s been such a brilliant day. I’m sure we’ll look back on the photos when Freddy’s older and remember what a special opportunity this was. It’s lovely that something like this has come to Newark.”
Sam is a regular visitor to the YMCA Village with her family, bringing her baby daughter to Baby Sensory sessions each week.
Cola Lane, whose son Oscar (7) also plays for Newark Town Under 7s, added,
“The boys were excited to see the trophies. It’s fantastic to have events like this here for families in Newark.”
The excitement carried through to the older players from Newark Town Under 16s, who were next to see the trophies. Tom Inger (15) said,
“It’s brilliant seeing the trophies here – it means a lot for young players like us in Newark.”
Regular Café visitor Bob Mallory (83) came along with his son Paul and summed up the day perfectly:
“It’s not every day something like this comes to Newark. I never thought I’d see the trophies in person.”
Our Café team helped keep visitors fuelled with BBQ food and refreshments, adding to the great atmosphere throughout the Village.
We held a raffle on the day to raise funds for the YMCA Scholarship Programme, which helps local young people who might not otherwise be able to afford membership or take part in activities. Barclays kindly match-funded the raffle total, doubling the impact.
Special thanks go to You Can Do Sport, who donated a Nottingham Forest football shirt signed by the first team players as the star prize.
Raffle prizes and winners:
- Charlene Townsend– Nottingham Forest signed shirt
- Neil Robertson– Six-Month Villager Membership
- Holly Wheat– Three-Month Villager Membership
- Adam Pawson– Three-Month Villager Membership
- Ryan Motley– £20 YMCA Village activity voucher
- Neil Robertson– £20 YMCA Village activity voucher
- James Kelly– £10 YMCA Café voucher
- Oscar Asher– £10 YMCA Café voucher
Declan added,
“It was fantastic to see so many people come together for such a positive day. From local families and schools to our regular café visitors, everyone left with a smile. We’re really grateful to Barclays for making this possible and for helping us raise funds that will directly support young people across Newark.”
The day was a huge success and a proud moment for us at YMCA Newark & Sherwood, celebrating community, sport, and partnership, and showing once again what can be achieved when local organisations come together for the benefit of Newark.
For more information about us at YMCA Newark & Sherwood and our community programmes, visit ymcanewarksherwood.org or follow YMCA Newark & Sherwood on social media.