Chatham Town
“The original concept was that people with
disabilities didn’t have a chance to socialise and
engage with people so we wanted to bring people
together to create friendships. It is not all about
teaching people as I have learned a lot from the
people that I work with.
It is really nice to see a positive atmosphere
building and I love to see Maps members being
accepted and spoken to as people. The Maps
members are encouraged to get involved at the
matches and cheer the players on and they always
try to encourage the players as much as they can. I
leave them to enjoy the games as they engage better
when I’m not there.
I’ve sponsored the club for three years now
and have to say it is a brilliant set up with a great
attitude. I went to an event initially and got talking
to the previous chairman about Maps, inclusion and
the way football can be a great way to bring people
together and it has grown from there.”
Mark Spurgeon
“This is our second season sponsoring the club
and it is good to be a part of things; I know Kev
through my brother Gary and so when they asked,
I was happy to help out. My Granda and my Great
Granda both played for Chatham as well.
When one of my friends was diagnosed with
bone cancer about this time last year I spoke with
Gary and Kev and they let me have a fun day at the
club for the final game of the season. Both Chatham
and their opponents had a whip round and they cer-
tainly helped us to make a good amount of money.
The team is flying at the moment and everyone
at the club is really ambitious. I hope they can keep
it going, as long as they keep playing well they have
a great chance of success and I wish them the best
of luck.”
Joe Shilleto
www.footballfocusmag.com
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