Northampton Town FC supporters surprised with play-off final trophy thanks to new anti-loneliness project

The Northampton Town Community Trust surprised two Cobblers supporters with the Sky Bet League Two play-offs trophy for a new scheme addressing loneliness.

The fans got to lift the cup, which was cleaned and sanitised before and after, at the PTS Academy Stadium as part of the club's Tackling Loneliness project.

One of the lucky supporters, Michael, said: “It was the first time I have managed to hold a Cobblers trophy in all my years!

"Lockdown wasn’t easy, especially trying to do the simple things like my shopping, it was a struggle but I managed.

"I was happy that I was able to take my dog out but I missed the normal things, I couldn’t go to the Cobblers, that was tough!

"It was great to finally get my hands on the trophy, it really was.”

Cobblers is one of 32 English Football League clubs to take part in the Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together programme to try to help the elderly who may be lonely, especially at the minute.

Last year Cobblers was one of 11 clubs to launch the Extra Time Hubs movement, to engage retired and semi-retired people to combat loneliness and inactivity.

The new programme will allow expanded activities across the county, including befriending phone calls, online social groups, pen-pal schemes and socially distanced ‘garden gate’ conversations.

Trust chief executive Phillip Smith said: “During lockdown we moved quickly to set up a check in and befriending service to support fans and community members.

"It quickly became apparent that loneliness was and would continue to be a growing issue, with over 420 people supported through lockdown alone.

"The Tackling Loneliness project builds on the work delivered during lockdown and will enable us to support even more people across the community over the coming months to stay connected through further phone calls, pen pal schemes and garden gate socially distanced visits.

"With the playoff success we thought it would be a great opportunity to use the trophy to celebrate, connect and reminisce with older fans as part of this project. We’re looking forward to lots more visits in the coming weeks.”

For more information email Tackling Loneliness project officer Bob Allen on [email protected].