Hartlepool United has today launched United for the Community, the new identity for the Club’s official charity as it begins a new chapter in its commitment to communities across Hartlepool.
Formerly the Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, the charity has spent almost 30 years using the power of football to improve lives across the town through education, health and wellbeing, inclusion, employability and community engagement.
Working in schools, community venues and neighbourhoods across Hartlepool, the Foundation delivers programmes that introduce young people to sport, support disability football, promote healthier lifestyles, tackle social isolation, help people develop new skills and create opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community.
The new identity reflects almost 30 years of growth and the Foundation’s ambition to build even stronger partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, charities, businesses and voluntary organisations, helping it reach even more people in the years ahead.
While the name is changing, its purpose remains the same. As United for the Community, it will continue to use the unique power of Hartlepool United to bring people together, create opportunities and ensure the Club continues to make a positive difference every day of the week.
Neil Nottingham, Chair of the Trustees of United for the Community, said: “For almost 30 years, the Foundation has been part of the fabric of Hartlepool, supporting people of all ages through the power of football. Everyone who has played a part in that journey has every reason to be proud of what has been achieved.
“Keith, Vicki and the wider team have built an organisation that is trusted across our community because it delivers meaningful support where it is needed most. The difference they make every day is something the whole town can be proud of.
“United for the Community reflects the organisation we’ve become and the ambition we have for the future. It recognises how our work has evolved over the years while giving us a platform to do even more alongside our partners and the communities we serve.
“This isn’t simply a new name. It’s a renewed commitment to our town. We want Pools to be recognised not only for what happens on a Saturday afternoon, but for the positive impact the Club has every day of the week.
“Our ambition is simple. We want to reach more people, build stronger partnerships and ensure even more communities benefit from the power of Pools. If, in another 30 years’ time, more people can look back and say this Club helped change lives, then we’ll know this next chapter has been a success.”
Keith Nobbs, Manager of United in the Community, said: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of the Foundation’s journey over many years and one thing has never changed. It’s always been about people.
“Every day our team works alongside children, young people, families and community groups across Hartlepool. We’ve seen first hand how football can build confidence, improve wellbeing, create friendships and give people opportunities they might never otherwise have had. That’s why this work means so much to all of us.
“None of that happens without an exceptional team. The passion, care and commitment shown by every member of our staff and volunteers is what makes this organisation so special. They go above and beyond every single day because they genuinely care about the people we support.
“Pools has always been much more than a football club. It means something to people. It brings communities together, opens doors and gives us the opportunity to reach people who might never otherwise ask for support. The Foundation is a vital part of that, helping ensure the Club has a positive impact every day of the week, not just on matchdays.
“United for the Community isn’t about changing who we are. It’s about having a name that better reflects the work we do today and the ambition we have for the future. Our purpose hasn’t changed and it never will.
“We’re proud of everything that’s been achieved over the last 30 years, but we’re even more excited about what comes next. If we can continue helping more people, supporting stronger communities and making a lasting difference across Hartlepool, then we’ll know we’re doing exactly what this Foundation was created to do.”
