We work with veterans and Defence personnel formed a new part of their outreach into Derbyshire communities in 2019. Specific activities included hosting an annual Remembrance Day fixture and launching their first veterans-only events, including a family sports day and visits to local football clubs.

Simon Carnall, Head of Community, said: “We pride ourselves on creating meaningful experiences and we continue to deliver projects that have been in existence from our beginning: football coaching, schools delivery, post-16 education courses; but our extension into new areas of project delivery, which go far beyond the traditional reach of a football club, continue to develop.

“Our Health programme is an amazing example of how we use the power of the football club to interact with different groups in society. Over the last few years our expansion into supporting older groups with falls prevention, encouraging social interaction and staying active has grown hugely.

“We take pride in the accomplishments of our participants and their emotive and inspiring successes and look forward to continuing to grow and develop opportunities for the communities we serve”.

Upon signing the Covenant pledge in 2017, Derby County Community Trust committed to actively supporting the Armed Forces through promotion, seeking to support employment of veterans and of their spouses, endeavouring to offer flexibility in granting leave for Reservists or Service spouses and offering opportunities for current and ex-Service personnel to take part in weekly physical activity sessions.