We are delighted to announce that the official club charity of the year for 2017-18 is Transitions UK.
The Luton based charity are the first of our three official charities for this season to be announced, with the players' and the supporters' charities of the year to be announced in the coming days.
Transitions UK is a charity working to support disadvantaged young people supporting a positive transition to a happier, more inclusive and more productive life as young adults.
They provide vital support through positive relationships tailored to each individual in need through mentoring, befriending and guidance, whilst helping them learn and achieve the skills they need to find their place in society under four key banners:
- Achieve - for young people with learning disabilities and special needs.
- Affirm - for young people with emotional issues or mental health problems.
- Aspire - for young people at risk of offending or re-offending.
- Attain - for young people leaving care, towards independence.
The club is committed to working closely with Transitions UK throughout the season by helping to raise awareness of the fantastic work undertaken by the charity, and by raising much-needed funds to enable them to deliver their services. Our club charity of the year partnerships over the last two seasons have helped to raise in excess of £40,000 and we're looking to maintain the high level of support with this partnership.
Once again this season shirt sponsors SsangYong will be surrendering their space on the front of the players' shirts, this time in aid of Transitions UK for our match against Exeter on Saturday February 3rd.
Hatters Chief Executive Gary Sweet said: "Everyone at Luton Town Football Club is looking forward to working with yet another fantastic local charity.
"Having worked so well with CHUMS and Level Trust I am sure we will be able to develop another great relationship with Transitions UK, this relatively new, Luton based charity. Their work with young people between the ages of 14-25, particularly those with learning difficulties or those with mental health and emotional needs really struck a chord with us – those young people deserve our help and deserve a real chance to enjoy a positive life within our community. We are a club that prides itself on our work within the community of our town and countywide – I am sure our partnership will prove to be a perfect fit.
"I know our staff are excited about increasing Transition UK's profile and when we take the field against Exeter City on February 3rd then all Luton fans will definitely know all about their excellent work. I must, at this point, thank our main sponsors, SsangYong for their kind gesture in donating their shirt sponsorship for this one-off occasion – I know it is much appreciated by everyone at Transitions UK."
Ron Overton, Chief Exec at Transitions UK said: "We are delighted to be chosen as Luton Town's charity for 2017-18 and looking forward to working in partnership with the club throughout this season. As a charity we work with disadvantaged young people across the community, including those with learning disabilities, and we provide support that changes young lives. Check us out on www.transitionsuk.org
"We want very much this year to develop a great relationship with the whole club, including its brilliant supporters. It's a particular pleasure to work with a community focused and socially minded club like Luton Town, and we are thrilled to have that opportunity."
Transitions UK will be hosting an evening designed to inspire you or your business on to great things in the company of ex-Spurs and England defender Gary Mabbutt, along with none-other than Hatters legend Mick Harford in the Eric Morecambe Lounge on September 9th.
The two players will be joined by motivational speaker Phil Berg – national training director for Business Network International who will provide training and sales development insights.
Come along and be inspired – and equipped to grow your business!
Tickets are £30 which includes a light finger buffet and are available to book now by emailing support@transitionsuk.org or by phone on 01582 380620. You can also click here to book online.