ORGANISATIONS in Pembrokeshire gathered at Haverfordwest County this week to prove they were ‘More than a Club’.

On Tuesday, groups came together to celebrate the launch of the joint initiative with the Football Association of Ireland and Vi-Ability.

Representatives from the local council, voluntary services, the FAW and many more were in attendance to mark the occasion at the Bridge Meadow.

The 'More than a Club' project aims to develop new social enterprises aligned with four football clubs in Ireland and Wales, which will design, develop and deliver innovative social programmes on health, education and social inclusion.

Vi-Ability Chief Executive, Adam Bull said it was great to see how well received the launch was and praised Haverfordwest County AFC for backing the initiative.

“Clubs, regardless of size, location or sport, are most successful when they hold a strong bond with their community and make themselves relevant to local people.

“We plan on harnessing the power of football to grow the club as a valuable community entity which, in turn, reflects the needs of local people to provide solutions to health and socio-economic issues. “ Club Chairman David Hughes was equally positive: “The work Vi-Ability are doing with Haverfordwest County as their partner has been most impressive and we have all been happy with how this project has been received.

“It requires like-minded organisations to work together and, in doing so, we can spread the wider benefits our game brings to people and communities. We are excited to explore the project with the Football Association of Ireland and share best practice with our partner clubs over the water at Bohemians FC and Cork City. Finally, we are determined to cement our relationship with our community by opening our doors to people in Pembrokeshire.”

Jo Price, Community Development Officer, added: “It was refreshing to meet local and regional organisations, from St. David’s Dementia Café to the Football Association of Wales.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response to the launch with local organisations pledging their support to get involved. We feel these pledges will allow us to work in a collaborative way to identify opportunities to benefit individuals in Pembrokeshire.”

Vi-Ability’s eight week award-winning ‘Run The Club’ programme is currently, aimed at individuals not in education, employment or training. Participants have hosted a ‘Coffee and Cake’ morning which led to raising funds for an Easter egg hunt and walking football match, with the aim of attracting diverse members of the community.

For more information, e-mail info@vi-ability.org or contact 'More than a Club' operations manager Shelley Meyern on 01492 583 555.