Hampshire FA’s King George V Football Complex in Cosham hosted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) community event for families in partnership with Official Food Suppliers of Hampshire FA, Creed Foodservice and Portsmouth City Council.

The community event was open to families that qualify for income related free school meals (pupil premium) and welcomed 40 individuals across 10 families for the (pilot) event. Families were able to access the football pitches for a free turn up and play football session with footballs and equipment supplied by the King George V Football Complex. Additionally, board games were dotted around the indoor suites, allowing families to enjoy quality time with each other. The indoor dance mats also proved to be a hit with children wanting to remain physically active in the warmth of the suite after a short break from their kickabout.

Hampshire FA’s official youth engagement and safeguarding mascot, Hammy the Hammerhead Shark also made an appearance at the event, meeting and greeting all the families in attendance. Children flocked to the mascot to have their photo taken or a high 5. Hammy was unveiled at last year’s annual grassroots football awards ceremony in a surprise skit and has been a huge hit with children ever since.

Additionally, to top of the event, families were able to enjoy a free lunch, consisting of stuffed chicken tortillas (meat and vegan options), rustled up by Creed Foodservice’s Head Development Chef Rob Owen and Assistant Chef, Jack. Creed Foodservice are the food suppliers for all of Hampshire FA’s hub sites and for the first time collaborated with the county FA to introduce Kitchen ’72 in a community event.

"Creed Foodservice was proud to support Hampshire FA's community day at King George V Football Complex in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and are equally proud to be a partner of the county football association. We feel it was a huge success, and it was a joy to see all of the children enjoying the food and having a great and healthy time! We look forward to supporting further events throughout the year". Robert Owen, Head Development Chef at Creed Foodservice.

The event, which is tied to the work of Hampshire FA’s Corporate Social Responsibility team, received glowing feedback from attendees and has cemented the case for more events to be hosted at the site of this nature. A new date will be reserved at the Complex this coming May half term and bookings will be extended for up to 90 individuals due to the sheer popularity. Other events of a similar nature have also been held across other Hampshire FA sites.

“The pilot event held during February half term was the starting point to formalising a commercial agreement and a commitment with Creed Foodservice for the community events. This partnership will offer a commitment to residents locally to the Complex, that our association together with Creed Foodservice and backed by Portsmouth City Council, will collaborate to support even more families up to twice a year with events held during half term breaks. We hope that by extending the capacity at this event, it will allow us to welcome more people into the site to introduce the complex which is central and integral to the local community”. Neil Cassar, Hampshire FA CEO.

Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport said: "We work hard to support and encourage healthy lifestyles for our residents, and I'm thrilled our new KGV Football Complex was home to such a worthwhile event, and that there'll be another in May. Thank you to Hampshire FA for organising it, as well as Creed Foodservice for providing and preparing the healthy food available."