The club’s charity has just published its activity report, covering the period from October 2023 to September 2024. It highlights a wide range of projects, including primary school tournaments, school holiday clubs, walking football, and even securing a 1970s first-class buffet car for Five Acre Wood School to use as a café.
One of the charity’s most successful initiatives is School’s Out, which offers free school holiday clubs for children in Park Wood, Shepway, and Tovil. Alongside arts and sports activities, the clubs provide meals and snacks for primary school-aged children. Last summer alone, around 2,500 free hot meals were served over a four-week period.
Stones in the Community also supports Maidstone United Raiders – one of the largest disability football programmes in the country, with more than 200 junior and adult players – as well as Maidstone United Walking Football, which has more than 60 members participating in matches and training sessions.
In the foreword to the report, club co-owner and charity trustee Oliver Ash wrote:
“We first started dreaming of setting up a Charitable Trust some ten years ago under the leadership of our two Mikes – Littleboy and Cogger – who have been the mainstay of the Stones’ work in the wider community for many years. Little did I think that we would grow into such a dynamic and flourishing community organisation so quickly.
“Today, we are rolling out a wide range of projects across all sectors of the local community and bringing much-appreciated joy and happiness to a huge number of people.
“I thank the two Mikes and all the many SITC staff, trustees, and volunteer colleagues for all their hard work in making this happen. They can be immensely proud of what has been achieved.
“So can the supporters of Maidstone United FC, who know that a football club is so much more than just the first teams. The Stones are as active as possible in improving the quality of life in the local community – and long may it continue.”
You can read the full activity report on the Stones in the Community website.
About Stones in the Community
The Stones Community Trust (SCT) is Maidstone United’s non-profit charity, delivering a variety of community projects across the Maidstone area.
SCT is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with seven trustees and is registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1184274. From 1 October 2023, it began trading as Stones in the Community (SITC).
The trust has been active since 2018 and operates independently – both financially and operationally – from the football club. It employs two full-time staff members and a part-time community development officer.
Funding comes solely from grants and sponsorships provided by community and corporate partners.
