Grecians United by Premier League Fans Fund

More than 500 people have benefited from a programme which has been delivered in Exeter thanks to the Premier League Fans’ Fund.

Grecians United, which has been delivered by the team at Exeter City Community Trust over the last two years, was created to offer support, engagement, football and physical activity for people with disabilities and to strengthen connections between the community and the football club.

The Premier League Fans’ Fund was set up to support a range of fan-focused projects which strengthen the links between fans, their clubs, and their local communities, diversify the fan base by engaging historically underrepresented groups, and enhance the fan experience.

The main impacts of the project, which ends this July, have been:

• An increase in number of participants in weekly parasports sessions.
• Enhanced training for staff and volunteers.
• Match day activations – including tours of SJP – to create connections with the club.
• Workshops and engagement with fan groups and disability groups to ensure activities are co-designed and that campaigns are supported. 
• Play in the Park sessions at SJP.
• New sessions supporting blind players and participants with Down’s syndrome.
• New equipment, training, and coverage for Soccer Sight, which provides match commentary for blind supporters.

Jamie Vittles, Chief Executive of Exeter City Community Trust, said: “The contribution to our activity from the Premier League Fans’ Fund has had a significant impact and helped us to engage with people who might not have been aware of the diverse mix of activities on offer or interested in the football club in the past.

“Through the Grecians United project, we have been able to make a positive impact on programme participants, supporters, our partners and the wider community.”

Across the programme, 96% of participants have a special educational need or disability, and participant feedback consistently highlights increased confidence, improved physical well-being, and a stronger sense of belonging within the community.

One participant said: “Grecians United gives me a sense of purpose and belonging like I never thought it would.”

Another member of the group said: “The changes in coaching from the group talks made a real difference to my ability to participate and feel valued…the games are awesome. I love wearing my kit like the [first team] players and being part of the team.”

From April 30, 2024 to January 31, 2025, the Grecians United project successfully delivered more than 300 sessions and workshops. These activities included:

• Tailored football sessions, providing adapted football training, focusing on skill development, fun, and social interaction. The sessions were delivered by trained coaches, including two specialised disability sports coaches.
• Social inclusion activities focused on promoting social interaction and building a sense of community among participants, including our match day morning sessions and additional tournament days. Two training days were also held at the University of Exeter.
• Disability in Focus workshops: In partnership with the ECFC Disabled Supporters’ Association, participants were invited to three workshops that discussed themes of facilities (training and stadium) and session planning. These sessions helped to plan and adapt tailored football sessions too suit a range of needs. An additional outcome was the revitalisation of the club’s soccer sight programme, which provides commentary for blind and partially sighted people for all ECFC league and cup matches at St James Park. A list of proposed improvements to SJP was also compiled and presented to the club’s operations team.

Collaboration with local disability organisations, schools, and the University of Exeter ensured access to wider resources and expertise, increasing project reach and effectiveness.

Activity planned for the next five months, include:

• Two additional inclusive supporter forums are planned, continuing to gather feedback and suggestions to inform project development. We will focus particularly on themes of player development, sustainability, and future para football programmes.

• Matchday Integration of Grecians United participants into matchday activities. We will also explore new opportunities for involvement, including an end of the season training day on the pitch at St James Park.
• Supporter ambassadors will continue playing a vital role in gathering feedback and promoting inclusivity. We aim to increase their engagement by continuing with regular check ins and involving them in the evaluation process.

For more information about the Premier League Fans Fund, please email dan.hewitt@ecct.co.uk