Key Points
- A new strategic partnership between Fulham FC Foundation and national charity Carers Trust has been formally unveiled.
- The partnership will focus on providing opportunities that are essential to unpaid carers in South-West London.
- The unveiling ceremony was held at Fulham Pier with a private viewing of The Guardian’s short film ‘Is Mum OK?’
- Some of the schemes include open days for the 13 week programme which involves career training in football coaching for people above 16 years old.
- The adult carers will be able to take part in the ‘More Than a Game’ football and well-being programme.
- Respite days and stadium tours will form part of this programme.
- There will also be some career and employability events where the carers will be introduced to ways of getting jobs in the community.
- Both parties are considering a joint fundraising gala dinner at Fulham Pier to reinvest in the carer and community programs.
London (West London Times) September 16, 2026 — Unpaid carers across South-West London are set to receive targeted community, wellbeing, and employability support following the formal announcement of a collaborative partnership between the uk/sports/fulham-fc/">Fulham FC Foundation and the national charity Carers Trust. The alliance, structured to provide vital breaks from intense caring responsibilities, aims to build confidence, foster social connections, and open up professional pathways for individuals who regularly dedicate their time to looking after family members or loved ones.
How Was the Landmark Partnership Launched to the Public?
The initiative was formally introduced during a private screening event hosted at Fulham Pier. Attendees, including local carers, supporters, and organizational representatives, viewed ‘Is Mum OK?’, a moving short documentary produced by The Guardian that highlights a young carer from London receiving a rare and much-needed night off from his daily responsibilities.
As reported by Fulham FC in official club communications, the collaboration has been designed specifically to tackle the prevalent issue of social isolation amongst local caregivers while proactively enhancing their mental and physical wellbeing.
What Specific Activities and Programs Are Being Provided for Carers?
The newly formed partnership introduces a diverse framework of tailored events and long-term developmental courses. Among the principal offerings is an open day system showcasing specialized Fulham FC Foundation schedules, featuring a free 13-week program tailored for participants aged 16 and above who wish to explore future pathways into professional football coaching careers.
Furthermore, adult carers will be granted direct access to ‘More Than a Game’, an inclusive football and physical wellbeing initiative designed to keep participants active while forging peer connections through sport. Alongside athletic participation, the scheme introduces structured respite days incorporating exclusive stadium tours and social gatherings hosted directly at the football club.
How Will the Collaboration Assist Carers Seeking Employment?
Beyond recreation and physical health, the initiative places heavy emphasis on long-term professional development and financial empowerment. Carers will receive invitations to dedicated careers and employability events created to help them navigate back into the workforce, acquire brand-new transferable skills, and network safely with forward-thinking local employers.
To sustain these community interventions financially, the Fulham FC Foundation and Carers Trust are actively planning a joint fundraising gala dinner to be held at Fulham Pier, with all proceeds directly reinvested into expanding support systems for unpaid caregivers.
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What Are the Key Statements From Leadership Figures?
Speaking on the motivations and anticipated outcomes of the alliance, Sara Butts, Head of Corporate and Business Development at Carers Trust, emphasized the heavy societal weight carried by unpaid individuals. As reported by Fulham FC, Sara Butts stated that:
“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to their families, communities, and wider society, yet many miss out on opportunities to focus on their own wellbeing, build skills, or simply take a break from their caring responsibilities.”
Sara Butts added:
“Whether it’s a young carer enjoying a day of activities with friends, an adult carer taking some much-needed time for themselves, or someone exploring new career opportunities, this partnership will make a huge difference for carers, helping them feel supported, empowered, and connected to their community.”
Echoing these sentiments from a club perspective, Mike McSweeney, Chief Executive Officer of the Fulham FC Foundation, underlined the organization’s civic commitment to the surrounding community. As detailed by Fulham FC, Mike McSweeney stated that:
“We are incredibly proud to be strengthening our relationship with Carers Trust through this formal partnership.”
Mike McSweeney further noted:
“Carers make an invaluable contribution to our communities every day, often dedicating their time and energy to supporting others, and it is vital that they are recognised and supported in return. At Fulham FC Foundation, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities across South-West London and beyond, and this partnership represents an important step towards achieving that goal.”
Concluding his remarks, Mike McSweeney stated:
“By working together, we hope to provide greater access to support, create meaningful opportunities for respite, and raise awareness of the challenges carers face. We are excited about the positive impact this collaboration can have and look forward to working alongside Carers Trust to make a real difference to the lives of carers and their families.”
Background of the Particular Development
The establishment of this formalized alliance builds upon years of localized community outreach executed by the Fulham FC Foundation since its inception in 2002. Utilizing sport as a mechanism for positive social change, the Foundation has historically targeted underrepresented and vulnerable demographics across South-West London, including individuals with physical and learning disabilities, socially isolated adults, and those facing mental health challenges.
Meanwhile, the Carers Trust operates nationally as an established infrastructure supporting over one million carers of varying ages through localized network services. By merging the community drawing power and facility access of a professional football club foundation with the specialized welfare framework of a national care charity, this development addresses chronic systemic gaps where unpaid caregivers routinely sacrifice personal health, vocational development, and social interaction to fulfill their roles.
This strategic development is anticipated to yield tangible improvements in the mental health, physical fitness, and employability metrics of hundreds of unpaid caregivers residing across South-West London. For the particular audience of unpaid young and adult carers, who traditionally experience high rates of burnout, loneliness, and professional stagnation, the direct provision of structured respite activities and certified coaching pathways creates a vital lifeline.
By removing financial and geographical barriers to entry for programs like ‘More Than a Game’ and specialized career workshops, participants can expect decreased social isolation and enhanced reintegration into the local labor market. Ultimately, the partnership models a blueprint for how professional sports entities can leverage local prestige to materially uplift society’s most overlooked support networks.
