This year, for the first time in its history, Wadebridge Town Football Club will be holding a Christmas Carol event for the whole community, kicking off the launch of a new vision that is set to see the Club work towards becoming a ‘Compassionate Club’.
The evening event on Sunday 11th December at Bodieve Park will include carols led by the local singers The Shipwrecks, traditional readings and a short reflection by the Archdeacon of Bodmin. There will also be a festive remembrance/prayer tree and seasonal refreshments.
Children are invited to come dressed as a nativity character and join in the story telling.
This family-friendly initiative is the launch of a new vision for Wadebridge Town that is set to see the sports club work towards becoming a ‘Compassionate Club’, in partnership with Compassionate Communities UK.
Revd Simon Betteridge, who joined the club in September 2021, is the first chaplain of a football club in Cornwall. He was formerly chaplain to Coventry City and now offers his time voluntarily to provide pastoral support to the players and all connected with the Wadebridge club. He also brought a vision to develop the role of the football club within the wider community.
Rev Simon and Club Chairman Steve Cudmore said:
Becoming a Compassionate Club will contribute to the support within the community, such as during times of serious illness and bereavement. There will also be an emphasis on promoting positive mental wellbeing in the community. It is hoped that the club will be awarded the first level of accreditation within the current season.
It was a good day for the club when Simon came to watch a match last season and introduced himself to me and our Vice Chairman Roger Franks. We chatted for a while and it was obvious from the start that Simon would be a great addition to the club so we gratefully took up his offer to act as Club Chaplain.
The Club currently runs nineteen teams with sixteen teams aged 6-16 years of boys and girls as well as one Ladies and the men’s 1st and 2nd teams. The Club also runs a successful Saturday Morning Centre and Holiday sessions for many local boys and girls in partnership with Bobby Hopkinson and his Pro 20 Academy.
Without the help of the local community, especially the many local businesses who have over many years generously supported the Club, as through difficult times we feel the opportunity to Support Simon in his efforts to help the Club and wider community is the least the Club can do and we all look forward to this truly Community Club going forward with success both on and off the field.
The Christmas Carol event is open to everyone from the club and wider local community. People are welcome to join in the singing, contribute a message for the prayer/remembrance tree or merely come along to enjoy the festivities.
Please grab your FREE tickets below:
