Saints Foundation have launched of an Ambassador Programme to help drive further awareness of the club’s charity whilst remaining true to their mission of transforming lives within the community.

Saints stars James Ward-Prowse and Maya Yoshida have been named as Saints Foundation’s first two ambassadors. As part of the role, they will spread the charity’s message to more people across the city, whilst visiting projects to see how their work affects the lives of people in Southampton.

This is just the start of the new scheme. More ambassadors are set to be announced next year, with Saints Foundation currently in talks to make further significant signings.

Speaking about joining forces with Saints Foundation, Ward-Prowse said: “It is a real honour for me to become an ambassador for Saints Foundation. I have been with the club since the age of nine and I know how important it is to the community.

“So, I will do everything I can to help.”

Yoshida added: “After making my 1 per cent pledge earlier this season, I am excited to see how Saints Foundation is helping to change lives. I want to go out to sessions, see how they work. I’m excited to continue helping the city.”

To understand more about Saints Foundation, seven participants spanning the length and breadth of our work were invited to Staplewood to share their stories and give both players a deeper understanding of how we support those in need.

One of those participants who met the players was Joan Shewry. She takes part in walking football and circuit sessions with Saints Foundation, helping her to stay fit in later life, whilst socialising after the passing of her husband three years ago.

Explaining the impact of Saints Foundation had had on her, she said: “I may not be the best footballer but it has kept me fit. I now do circuits as well with Saints Foundation – they have been such a great benefit to me and my health.

“I love the Foundation and what they do. We want ambassadors that will champion their work and be as proud of Saints Foundation as we are.”

Greg Baker, Head of Saints Foundation, also understands the importance of launching the Ambassador Programme.

He explained: “We have always had incredible support from both players and staff across the club. Having James and Maya going above and beyond to support us will be a huge benefit to us as they spread the message of our work, inspiring more people to take action.

“They are both a perfect fit to our values and commitment to this city. Maya has already made a generous pledge to us and James has been hugely supportive of work across his many years with the club – we couldn’t think of a better way to kickstart this new venture for Saints Foundation.

“We are all very excited to have them more involved with the great work our staff do across the community. This will be a huge boost to the charity.”

Over the next few months, the Saints’ duo will visit Saints Foundation sessions as they continue to find out more about the charity, inspiring participants and spreading the word around the city.