At the end of last year, Brentford FC’s official travel partner, Simplexity Travel, gave two students from the BFC Community Sports Trust’s Elite Development programme the chance to play at the famous Wembley Stadium.

The Elite Development programme is an opportunity for talented young male footballers (aged 16-18) to play for the Brentford FC U18 Academy Development Squad and gain a BTEC Sports qualification at West Thames College.

Those selected study at West Thames College for a recognised BTEC qualification, whilst gaining elite footballing skills from Brentford FC’s Community Sports Trust’s professional coaching staff. Study units include body systems, practical sport, fitness testing and training, tactical awareness and psychology. The team also play competitive matches against other Academy teams in a league.

The two lucky students who selected by their coaches were Jayden Ndokala and Jaden Alvis Henry (pictured above).

A special thanks to Simplexity Travel Management for donating the places and giving Jayden and Jaden the unforgettable day out.

Brentford FC and its Community Sports Trust hosted a special screening of the documentary “Steve” to Brentford fans and local community groups at Griffin Park this week. The film, which documents how one man lost his friend Steve to suicide, highlighted the difficulties many men face in discussing their mental health and how playing sport can be instrumental in helping men overcome mental health conditions. The screening, on Monday 24 February, coincided with the Duke of Cambridge’s Head’s Up campaign that raises awareness of mental health and encourages more open conversations.

Ben, who created the film after he lost his friend Steve to suicide, has one simple aim – to help men help themselves. He said: “76 per cent of suicides are male. In fact, as a man under 45 the thing most likely to kill me is me: we need to change this and try to prevent mental ill health.

“We seem to know how to look after our physical health – but we don’t seem to know about our mental health. I hope this event will get men talking and to realise how men need to look after their mental fitness and, if necessary, join a talk club to prevent the next Steve.”

Ben hosted a Q&A session at Griffin Park after the screening finished and encouraged attendees to have open discussions about their mental health. Brentford FC and its Community Sports Trust used the evening to discuss with fans the possibility of a “Brentford Talking Club” that would provide a safe hub for male fans to discuss any mental health conditions.

Brentford fan Joe Stapleton found the documentary an eye-opening experience. He said: “The event really opened my eyes to the struggles that so many of us experience and how important it is to talk and seek help. I will be signing up to Brentford’s Talking Club to help with my own personal mental fitness, but also to learn and help others with theirs.”

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has already been recognised for its community work surrounding mental health. In partnership with West London NHS Trust, it has been running its Hounslow Hawks FC programme for 11 years – offering local residents free football sessions as a form of therapy. Brentford FC are also working closely with the EFL’s charity partner Mind to promote mental health at Brentford games.

Graham Goodden, Communities Engagement Manager at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, believes that this event will not only promote mental health awareness but mental health action. He said: “It was great to see so many people attend the screening to raise awareness of this vitally important subject. This screening signalled the first step in changing perceptions of men’s mental health. However, raising awareness is simply not enough and that is why we are keen to establish talking men’s clubs so that Brentford fans have a safe space to talk.”

For more information about the Trust’s mental health initiatives please visit brentfordfccst.com.

More than 70 young Bees fans fulfilled a dream to meet their footballing heroes yesterday when they took part in Brentford FC’s annual “Meet the Players” event at Uxbridge High School. The event, run by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, saw excited young fans showcase their football skills to the likes of Brentford forward Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo. Along with an interactive football session with 13 players from the squad, the young fans had the unique opportunity to chat to the players and take selfies with the Brentford stars.

With Brentford currently fourth in the Sky Bet Championship, there was much excitement surrounding the Brentford players who have collectively scored 55 goals this season. And the players proved scoring goals wasn’t their only talent – creating a memorable day for countless young Bees fans.

Christian Nørgaard said: “We have all been their age and we all know what it does when professional footballers visit: it makes their day. You could see when we joined in playing the games there was that extra bit of excitement and the same with the autographs. It is quite nice to give back.”

Emiliano Marcondes added: “They will remember this for the rest of their lives. I still remember being visited by professional footballers when I was younger. To see the smiles on their faces and give them little bits of advice makes us – as players – smile.”

For more information about Trust events, please contact Brentford FC CST at enquiries@brentfordfccst.com.

Were you or your children inspired by the lionesses’ performance at the Women’s World Cup last summer? Then Brentford FC Community Sports Trust can help. They are looking for girls to join football taster sessions this Easter.

The taster sessions will be held at the following times and locations:

Thursday 9 April – Uxbridge Indoor Dome, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH

Wednesday 15 April – Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub, Popes Lane, London W3 8LQ

What is the Girls’ Football programme?

Our girls’ football programme offers high-quality coaching for girls interested in playing football. With Brentford FC set to host a series of matches for theUEFA Women’s European Championships in 2021, it is exciting time to be part of the Trust’s girls’ football programme. Many participants have gone on to play Brentford FC’s Women’s Team.

How do I sign up?

You can book your place at Uxbridge’s Indoor Dome here and you can book your place at Gunnersbury Park’s Sports Hub here. For more information about our girls’ taster sessions you can email us at fdc@brentfordfccst.com.

Brentford FC’s Chairman Cliff Crown joined representatives from the Twinning project and the Club’s Community Sports Trust for a visit to the Twining project at Bronzefield women’s prison in Ashford last month. The project, now in its final phase, upskills participants through an FA coaching qualification. Established in 2018 by David Dein MBE, former Vice Chairman of Arsenal FC and the Football Association, the Twinning project aims to bring together professional football clubs and prisons across the UK to provide positive pathways for participants and tackle high reoffending rates.

Cliff said: “The Twinning Project is a fantastic initiative and I was very pleased to be able to visit Bronzefield and see it in action. Brentford were one of the first clubs to engage with this scheme and our Trust coaches have already made a real impact on the lives of those in custody. I am sure they will continue to do so.

“During my visit I was able to talk with coaches and participants about ways that working with Brentford FC and our Trust will help. Coach development is important for the future of our game and this partnership benefits all. The participants will have something tangible they can do when they get out and young people all over the area will be able to learn from someone who can coach them and also give them the benefit of life experience. This is a real pathway to a better future for so many people and I have reiterated my pledge that the Club will we do all we can to make our partnership with HMP Bronzefield a success.”

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has been running the project at Bronzefield prison since October 2019 and has already seen significant results. With only 17 per cent of offenders entering the workplace upon release, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is in discussions with Brentford FC to offer volunteering and work placement opportunities for participants upon their release.

One participant said: “I really enjoy the programme and it has helped me with my confidence and understanding the importance of teamwork. My children are so proud that I am doing this qualification and it has given me hope that I can get involved with women’s football when I get out.”

Hilton Freund, CEO of the Twinning Project, said: “The fantastic work of the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust at Bronzefield encapsulates the Twinning Project’s belief that sport can change lives. Brentford’s ability to engage the disengaged will help provide the participating women with opportunities upon release that they may not have otherwise had.”

For more information about the Twinning project please email ce@brentfordfccst.com.

Ahead of Young Carers Awareness Day on Thursday 30 January, Ealing Councillors Simon Woodroofe and Councillor Hitesh Tailor took part in a young carers’ session last week. The Councillors, who sit on the Leisure Scrutiny panel, tried their hand at pizza making and table tennis with the young carers at Horizon’s Community Centre in Hanwell.

The Ealing Young Carers project, commissioned by Ealing Council, is run by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and offers respite to young people living in Ealing who are looking after a relative in a caring capacity. With 700,000 young carers living in the UK, the project gives carers aged between eight and 18 somewhere to socialise, learn new skills and gain in confidence. Along with one-one mentoring, the project offers a wide range of activities including, after-school homework clubs; lunchtime clubs; fortnightly youth clubs; fortnightly swimming clubs and day trips.

“It was good to see first-hand the young carers activities in Hanwell,” Cllr Hitesh Tailor said. “The young people enjoyed the time spent there and it offered them an opportunity to relax with friends without any worries. A parent I spoke to on the night, explained how she felt the sessions had improved the general wellbeing of her young son.”

Cllr Simon Woodroofe agreed. He said: “I certainly had a very positive impression of the activities in the centre.”

Since the project has been commissioned to the Trust, participation has gone from 25 young carers to nearly 200.The project’s success is credited to the programme coordinator – Kathryn Sobczak – who was a former young carer herself.

Kathryn said: “Too often, young carers can feel socially isolated and invisible. It took me a long time to realise I was a young carer. If I had known that other people were going through the same thing, it would have reassured me that I wasn’t alone. Whether your caring for parents siblings, family members we all do the same job, it’s about supporting each other.”

For more information about our Young Carers project please visit www.brentfordfccst.com

Brentford fan James Passey kicked off the new decade with a surprise visit from Brentford’s mascot Buzz at his 90th birthday on New Year’s Day. James, who has been attending Brentford matches since the 1930s, couldn’t quite believe it when Brentford’s iconic mascot walked into The Bridge Hotel in Chertsey. Growing up on Distillery Road, a quarter of a mile from Griffin Park, James started supporting Brentford from the age of eight.

His granddaughter, Kerry, believes it will be a birthday he will never forget. She said: “Buzz’s surprise visit to his 90th birthday gave my Grandad the biggest smile. He absolutely loved the surprise and everyone was talking about it after – it was definitely the highlight of his birthday.”

“I remember walking to the stadium with my dad and the sound of the fans getting louder and louder as we got nearer,” James said. “In those days they were no seats – we used to stand in the Ealing Road end. My favourite memory of Griffin Park was when Sir Stanley Matthews played at Griffin Park in a charity match – it was an incredible atmosphere that day.”

With Brentford’s new stadium set to be ready for the 2020/21 season, The Bees are using their last season at Griffin Park to commemorate fans’ favourite memories. If you would like to book a mascot package for Brentford’s last season at Griffin Park click here or contact us at matchday@brentfordfccst.com.

With Brentford Football Club playing their final Emirates FA Cup tie at their historic Griffin Park home, the University of West London further expanded their long-standing partnership. Brentford lost to Leicester City, third in the Premier League, in a Fourth Round tie at Griffin Park on Saturday, 25 January. And a sell-out crowd saw the last ever cup tie at Griffin Park as The Bees prepare to move to the brand-new Brentford Community Stadium in the summer.

UWL signed a deal to be Brentford’s official Emirates FA Cup Shirt Sleeve Sponsor for the 2019/20 season. Their logo appeared on the left sleeve of all shirts when The Bees faced Leicester. UWL have been a long-standing supporter of Brentford FC and are our official Education Partner as part of a relationship that is in to its eighth year. Their logo appears on top tier of the Brook Road stand at Griffin Park and on the back of First Team and B Team shirts and shorts as well on the Club’s LED perimeter advertising.

Professor Anthony Woodman, UWL Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “At UWL we take people with talent and ambition and provide them with great teaching, excellent facilities and outstanding student support so they can connect with successful and rewarding careers. Given the impressive performance of Brentford’s young team, it is apt that UWL sponsored the Club’s FA Cup run this year. Our sponsorship reflects the close working partnership we have with Brentford FC that helps us to deliver the very best sports facilities for our students and give back to our local community.”

Mike Sullivan, Brentford FC Commercial Manager, said: “Our relationship with the UWL continues to grow and grow. They have been brilliant in showing their support and commitment to the Club, over the last nine years, and have always been open to any new innovative ideas. We are delighted that the UWL have agreed to be our official Emirates FA Cup sleeve sponsor for the second season running.”

Local residents are encouraged to lace up their running shoes and take part in Brentford’s biggest running event – Brentford Sports FEST. The event will take place in the grounds of one of west London’s most iconic houses, Syon House, and will offer runners the opportunity to run in the private grounds of the prestigious estate. Run in partnership with Brentford Lock West, the event will be held on the 5 April 2020 and will offer a range of sporting activities for all the family.

Residents of all ages and abilities can take part in a 10k run, 5k run, 1k children’s fun run and a 5k Walk and Talk (in association with West London NHS Trust). For water lovers, there is an opportunity to take part in an exciting paddleboarding lesson at Brentford Lock. Plus, the event is also offering a free health and sports village – local residents can sample hatha yoga or try their hand at making a healthy pizza.

Anna Rutowicz, who took part in the 10k last year, said: “Taking part in Brentford Sports FEST was such a fun experience that contributed to my motivation for running more. The course takes place in the grounds of Syon Park, including sections that are usually closed off to the general public – making it a picturesque route. It is definitely one to track on Strava!”

For runners hoping to beat their personal best, all races have chip timing.

James Stockdale, Development Director at Waterside Places, said: “We are delighted to be once again, sponsoring the Sports FEST. The event provides ample opportunity to get out and get active – whether you are a serious runner, or you are just looking to keep fit or run with friends.

“There is always a really welcoming atmosphere on the day and it has been great to see the event grow year on year. Many of the residents of Brentford Lock West are now regulars to event – with many also participating in the paddleboarding, which takes place, right in front of our development.”

Sign up for the event at www.brentfordsportsfest.co.uk.

The wait is over. The Bees will kick off in our new stadium this summer and we have invited all ‘8+ year’ Season Ticket Holders to attend their appointments at our Reservation Centre this month. Telephone appointments are also available for those unable to come into the Reservation Centre and online booking windows will be available at the end of each priority access window.

Our move is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit with friends and family. Existing Season Ticket Holders are able to invite up to two existing or new supporters to purchase their Season Ticket with them, as well as grouping with more fans (up to a maximum of 12 – assuming the group contains at least four Season Ticket Holders).

In case you missed it, Early Bird prices at the new stadium will expire on Thursday 30 April and will not increase should we get promoted to the Premier League. It also means that current Season Ticket Holders, Members and their guests will have exclusive access to the Early Bird prices. Full prices, estimated on sale dates and more information about 2020/21 Season Tickets can be found online here. You can also find the answers to frequently asked questions about 2020/21 Season Tickets in our FAQs here.

With 2019/20 Club Memberships still available for only £25 Adults and £5 Juniors, this is another great reason to join over 4,000 current Members and gain priority access to Season Tickets in the new stadium.

Become a Club Member now

Alternatively, you can also join our Season Ticket waiting list at newstadium.brentfordfc.com

*Subject to availability. Season Ticket Holders will be able to buy two additional Season Tickets in the one purchase. These could be for new Season Ticket Holders, or fellow Season Ticket Holders who are in a later priority window group. Season Ticket Holders can also group up with fellow Season Ticket Holders and their ‘plus two’s’. This will allow you to team up with others that you want to sit with, up to a maximum group size of 12 – assuming your group contains at least four Season Ticket Holders. This will be strictly monitored and we reserve the right to amend this policy should sales exceed expectations. The make-up of your group may impact on where you can sit – larger groups with more new fans will need to move to less central locations to ensure that longer term fans are not unfairly displaced.   

Held at Gunnersbury Park’s new sports hub, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is relaunching its Mini-Bees programme in January.  Delivered by the Trust’s experienced football coaches, Mini Bees offers exciting football sessions at Gunnersbury Park’s new state-of-the-art facilities on Saturday mornings for children aged five-12 years old.

In January, the sessions will expand to offer children as young as 18-months old the opportunity to play football in a fun and engaging environment. Plus, for budding gymnasts, the Trust will be offering “Tumble Bees” gymnastic lessons for children aged 18 months to 12.

One parent whose son has attended the Mini Bees session, said: “I think the Mini Bees session is great – the coaches are very professional and are fantastic role models.”

The new facility, which boasts one of the largest outdoor sporting facilities in London, will mean local people will soon have access to a huge range of activities to help them maintain a fit and active lifestyle. Along with Mini Bees, the Trust will be offering adult and junior leagues football sessions – along with girls’ football sessions.

To pre-register for our football sessions click here and to pre-register for our gymnastic sessions click here. For more information about our Mini Bees programme, please email us at minibees@brentfordfcccst.com.

In case you missed it, most Season Tickets at our new stadium will be purchased from our Reservation Centre (in person or on the phone) and current Season Ticket Holders will be able to purchase up to two additional Season Tickets and form a group of up to 12 supporters*.

We’ve emailed our current Season Ticket Holders with their login details to access our Online Reservation Centre so they can create their group and confirm their contact details ahead of their appointment at the Reservation Centre. Estimated on sale dates for 2020/21 Season Tickets can be found here.

We’ve also sent our Season Ticket brochures by post to current Season Ticket Holders and confirmed that Early Bird prices at the new stadium will expire on Thursday 30 April and will not increase should we get promoted to the Premier League. It also means that, current Season Ticket Holders, Members and their guests will have exclusive access to the Early Bird prices at the new stadium. Full prices and more information about 2020/21 Season Tickets can be found online here.

You can also find the answers to frequently asked questions about 2020/21 Season Tickets in our FAQs here.

With 2019/20 Club Memberships still available for only £25 Adults and £5 Juniors, this is another great reason to join our 4,000 current Members and gain priority access to Season Tickets in the new stadium.

Become a Club Member now

Alternatively, you can also join our Season Ticket waiting list at newstadium.brentfordfc.com

*Subject to availability. Season Ticket Holders will be able to buy two additional Season Tickets in the one purchase. These could be for new Season Ticket Holders, or fellow Season Ticket Holders who are in a later priority window group. Season Ticket Holders can also group up with fellow Season Ticket Holders and their ‘plus two’s’. This will allow you to team up with others that you want to sit with, up to a maximum group size of 12 – assuming your group contains at least four Season Ticket Holders. This will be strictly monitored and we reserve the right to amend this policy should sales exceed expectations. The make-up of your group may impact on where you can sit – larger groups with more new fans will need to move to less central locations to ensure that longer term fans are not unfairly displaced.

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s biggest event of the year returns on April 5 2020. The Brentford Sports FEST will return next year with the popular 10k & 5k trail runs and 5k Walk & Talk, through the private grounds of Syon Park.

The event continues to go from strength to strength and this year we are excited to announce our new event Ambassadors. All event ambassadors are regular runners, ranging from beginner to more experienced. Our ambassadors will be able to share their experience and help anyone that needs extra information regarding our event in April.

We are happy to announce our first Brentford Sports FEST ambassador, Anna Rutowicz. Anna participated in the 5k run in 2019  and is a regular attendee at Park Run in Gunnersbury Park. Anna started running at the beginning of this year and since taking part in regular training and different running events including the  Brentford Sports FEST, her passion for the sport has grown along with her motivation to encourage others to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Ambassador Kit:

• Unique code to book your place
• Ambassador referral code – 20 per cent offer for ambassador referrals
• Marketing Collateral and Brentford Sports FEST 2019 giveaway shirts

If you would like to become a Brentford Sports FEST ambassador, please contact events@brentfordfccst.com.

Anna’s Story:

“I started running frequently just this year after getting involved in a local charity 5k. The sense of achievement after completing the run inspired me to challenge myself further, signing up for the Vitality London 10k. I began regular training and came across Brentford Sports FEST, which was taking place a couple of weeks before the anticipated 10k. Taking part in the Sports FEST was such a fun experience that contributed to my motivation and confidence in running long distance. Fast forward to now and I am training for my first ever half marathon!

“Last year’s Sports FEST was very well organised. With a range of activities and running distances, including a family walk and talk, there really was something for everyone. The course took place in the grounds of Syon Park including sections that are usually closed off to the general public, making for a picturesque and interesting route, definitely one to track on Strava. Overall, the event was fun, relaxed and family friendly. Events like this really bring the local community together and I am looking forward to Brentford Sports FEST 2020!’’

Football clubs across Britain are urged to bring older and younger people together to help tackle loneliness and ageism and improve health, care and learning across generations. The call comes from United for All Ages, which is sponsored the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Fulham at Griffin Park in December. This is the first of several activities in the coming 12 months to mark United for All Ages’ tenth year as a social enterprise and the growth of intergenerational activities across the country.

Brentford is one of several football clubs which support projects that enable older and younger people to mix and share activities and experiences. In our case, this work is done via Brentford FC Community Sports Trust As well as supporting intergenerational walking football, the Trust is organised a Christmas cookery project bringing together young people on its National Citizens Service scheme with older people living in local sheltered housing. A group of youngsters on the NCS project cooked up a storm when they rustled up a festive Christmas dinner for elderly residents at Brooklands College in Weybridge.

The youngsters are part our football education programme that combines classroom-based learning with a rigorous football training schedule. To complement the learning, students are also taking part in the government-backed NCS programme with the English Football League Trust. The programme aims to provide young people with important life skills, and students earmarked a cooking project as their chosen social action project.

Hansa Darbar, Events, Community and Business Development Officer for Age UK Hounslow, said: “The students were so friendly and made our members feel very welcome and special. They enjoyed the delicious lunch prepared by young chef.”

United for All Ages is aiming to encourage more clubs and their community trusts/foundations to move from supporting age-segregated activities for older people and for young people to doing more to bring older and younger people together to tackle issues like loneliness and ageism, while improving poor health, care , housing and learning, thereby building stronger communities and a stronger country.

Stephen Burke, director of United for All Ages, said: “Football clubs have the power to bring different ages together at a time when there is so much loneliness and division. Brentford’s Christmas cookery project is a great example of the benefits for both young and older people of bringing generations together. Mixing really matters! Enabling different generations to mix and share activities and experiences can tackle loneliness and ageism and improve care, health, housing and learning.

“Brentford is truly a football club for all ages – a real community and family club and a great place to meet friends old and new. In the 2020s together we can make Britain a country for all ages.”