The Andrew Roberts Champions Fund
"Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be."
Rita Pierson
Rita Pierson
In July 2018, Andrew Roberts tragically died of cancer. Andrew was a warm, compassionate and funny man and a loyal friend to our club. We remember his many stories and kindnesses – putting goals up and down and bringing across cups of tea at matches. He loved football and watching his boys play.
Andrew led Salisbury City Council between 2013 and 2017 and he was Mayor of Salisbury between 2015-16. He had a courageous sense of morality: he was a man prepared to stand up for what he believed in, even at considerable personal cost. Andrew believed that we all have the power to make positive change in the world.
We were deeply moved that Andrew’s family arranged for our club to receive a donation of £1000 from collections after Andrew’s death and a family donation. We are determined to ensure that we use this money to create a fitting legacy to his memory, honouring his commitment to public service and using it to try and make a positive change in young people’s lives.
The name ‘Champions' Fund’ is inspired by American educator, the late Rita Pierson’s moving Ted Talk about the power we all have to make positive connections with children.
This fund will be kept entirely separately from our normal club funds and our club intends to use, and develop it imaginatively for the benefit of children at risk of exclusion whatever the reason - social, economic, academic, disability or other disadvantage.
We will support children, raise aspirations, help them access opportunities, offer 1:1, mentoring or whatever else assists the child in need.
We want the children who access these funds to believe:
“I am somebody.
I was somebody when I came.
I'll be a better somebody when I leave.
I am powerful, and I am strong.
...I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go.”
I was somebody when I came.
I'll be a better somebody when I leave.
I am powerful, and I am strong.
...I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go.”
We will do our very best to honour Andrew in our work. He will never be forgotten.
If you would like to donate to this fund you can do make a payment online using the following details:
Account name: Salisbury Rovers FC
Account number:59774468
Sort code:30-97-41
Please use the reference 'Champions' Fund'.
Contact Club Secretary, Debbie Sayers, if you have any questions, 07543654971, [email protected]
If you would like to donate to this fund you can do make a payment online using the following details:
Account name: Salisbury Rovers FC
Account number:59774468
Sort code:30-97-41
Please use the reference 'Champions' Fund'.
Contact Club Secretary, Debbie Sayers, if you have any questions, 07543654971, [email protected]