The Rotary Club of Basingstoke was formed in 1927 and over the years has catalysed many initiatives in and around the local area. The club has raised considerable funds for local as well as international good causes and provided practical support and assistance to many local events and activities.

The club members regularly meet to discuss causes they wish to support and devise a plan of action. In addition, the club has a programme of fun and engaging activities for its members with outings and social events organised throughout the year. The club consists of a diverse group of members with various expertise, industry experience, skills, and knowledge that in turn helps to shape the offer of support for various causes. Through their Business Partner Scheme, the club interacts with local companies to engage in local community work (CSR), supporting various endeavours.

This year, the Rotary Club of Basingstoke welcomed international football journalist and broadcaster Tunde Adelakun as its new President. Tunde is well-known for his work at the BBC, Sky Sports, ESPN, and CNN, as well as his six-year-long role held as Assistant Head Coach of the Nigerian national football team, who made appearances at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and scooped bronze in the African Cup of Nations. 

In his acceptance speech as President, Tunde quoted that he "will use the power of football to engage people with Rotary”. The partnership with Hampshire FA was therefore a natural progression with a President already invested in the game and a previous history of successful footballing accomplishments.

“We are delighted to welcome Tunde and the Rotary Club of Basingstoke to our commercial partner programme. We share many mutual objectives and look forward to exploring this partnership with Rotary Club of Basingstoke over the coming season” Neil Cassar, Hampshire FA CEO.

““Football is not just about making money, but also about giving back. And as we know, Rotary is also about selfless service to the world by accomplished ladies and gentlemen who want to give back. So being able to marry these two entities (Rotary and Hampshire FA) in using football to reach out to our local community is a great honour and privilege. I believe the biggest winner will be the community...and football, which I hold dear to my heart. This partnership looks good from the onset and will bring the best out of our community” Tunde Adelakun, Rotary Club of Basingstoke.