EFL Community Heroes celebrated at Doncaster Rovers fixture

Five participants from across a number of Club Doncaster Foundation projects, were celebrated as Community Heroes, at the Doncaster Rovers fixture v Newport County last weekend. 

Jess Smith, Craig Wardle, Mark Innes, Ellie Meanwell and Rhys Turner were all invited to spend the afternoon at the Eco-Power Stadium and enjoy a meal in hospitality prior to the game.

During half time, the group of community heroes were invited pitchside, where they were presented with an EFL Community Hero pennant, by first team player, Jack Senior. 

The Community Heroes forms part of the EFL Community Weekends, a key moment in the season where all 72 Clubs across the EFL celebrate the impact football Clubs and their Community Heroes have on people's lives.

Jess has been a part of both the Fit Rovers and Fit Rovers Families programmes, with both helping support her journey into loving fitness and changing her life. 

Craig has seen Fit Rovers provide opportunities for him, including setting up his walking group, which other Foundation members join him on.

Mark was behind the start up of the Fit Forces group and has since seen over 50 individuals access the sessions and provide support for one another on a weekly basis. 

Ellie’s time with Club Doncaster Sports College has given her the skills to pursue a career in teaching, through national and international experiences, alongside captaining the ladies football academy. 

Rhys has been able to work closely with elite athletes during the first year of his university degree, through the High Performance Centre based at the Eco-Power Stadium and is currently undertaking work experience with elite sports clubs within the local area. 

Jess, spoke of being chosen as a community hero: “It was an incredible way to kick start 2025, being named a community hero! What a privilege!

“My journey with the Foundation has been amazing and this recognition feels like the biggest round of applause I could ask for.

“Sharing the day with the other heroes was unforgettable, the atmosphere was electric and Rovers winning 3-0 was the perfect way to top it all off.

“It’s a day I’ll remember forever.”

CEO John Davis, said: “The EFL Community Weekend gives us an opportunity to recognise the efforts from participants and volunteers within our programmes, and the contributions they make to our team and the work we do across Doncaster. 

“Without people like Jess, Craig, Mark, Ellie and Rhys, our programmes couldn’t operate as they do. We’re pleased that we can give them recognition and be able to tell their incredible stories and help support them in various different ways.”

The Foundation are gearing up for their own Community Day, on Saturday 12th April, which will see the charity take over a regular matchday and showcase all the fantastic work that goes on throughout a regular week. Keep an eye on Club Doncaster Foundation socials for more information on what to expect from the day.