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SSFC Foundation

Making a difference in South Shields since 1888

SSFC Foundation is the community and charitable arm of South Shields FC. We work with people of all ages to improve health, well-being, and opportunity across South Tyneside.

Registered charity

No. 1176894

Social impact since 2017

£24.9m

for every £1 spent

£17.50 Returned

Our community

South Tyneside

What we do

Community first.
Community always.

We co-design and deliver programmes that make a genuine difference to people’s lives. Rooted in the science of wellbeing, everything we do supports at least one of five proven pillars of good health.

From early years learning in primary schools to fitness classes, grassroots football, and community events at Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare, our programmes serve people of all ages across South Tyneside. We start with what our community needs, and build from there.

Explore how the SSFC Foundation works to strengthen our community bond and build brighter futures through the impact of sport.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing

Everything starts here

Our programmes are built around five things proven to improve how people feel, physically, mentally, and socially. Whatever session you join or activity you take part in, you'll find at least one of these at its heart.

Connect

Building friendships and spending time with others is powerful medicine for your well-being.

Be Active

Regular movement lifts your mood, strengthens your body and mind, and keeps you healthy.

Take Notice

Staying present and aware of the world around you builds calm, understanding and resilience.

Give back

Volunteering and supporting others has a remarkable effect on your own happiness.

Keep Learning

Learning a new skill or taking on a fresh challenge builds confidence and opens unexpected doors.

Social Impact

Real change with measurable impact

Since 2017, we’ve used a Wellbeing Valuation Approach to measure our social impact, the same methodology endorsed by HM Treasury’s Green Book. It works by placing an equivalent financial value on well-being improvements, so our impact can be measured alongside our finances.

Between July 2017 and June 2023, the SSFC Foundation generated £24.9 million in social impact — that’s a return of £17.50 for every £1 spent.

We publish full social accounts alongside our financial accounts every year.

Full accounts and annual returns can be found on the Government’s Charity Commission website.

Beneficiaries

Built for those who need it most

South Tyneside is home to some of the most deprived communities in England. Using the ONS Indices of Multiple Deprivation, we’ve identified the challenges that shape our programme design — and we work hard to make sure our activities reach the people who need them most.

Challenges we address include:

  • Transport & accessibility barriers
  • Health inequalities and premature mortality
  • Low participation in physical activity due to health issues, mobility or lack of access
  • Employability and the increasing skills gaps among young people
  • Community safety and those at risk of offending or reoffending

We work with anyone in need, with a focus on:

  • People living in the most deprived 5% of wards in South Tyneside
  • Young people aged 3–18 and their families
  • Older people facing social isolation
  • People from under-represented groups
  • Young people at risk of offending
  • Those furthest from employment

Everyone is welcome at the Foundation. But we focus our energy where it’s needed most… in the communities facing the greatest challenges, with the people who have the least access to support.

If you’re not sure whether our programmes are right for you, just get in touch. We’ll always find a way to help.

Get Involved

There's a place for you here

The Foundation is only as strong as the people behind it. The coaches, the volunteers, the participants, and the partners who believe in what we’re building. Whether you’re booking your first session or exploring a long-term partnership, we’d love to hear from you.

Book a Session

Browse our full programme of activities on Class4Kids and book your place.

Browse & Book sessions

Support Us

Donations help us reach more people in South Tyneside. Every contribution is reinvested in our community.

Donate today

Work With Us

Interested in a partnership, volunteering, or commissioning our programmes? Let’s talk.

Contact us