SAINTS Foundation have published its first-ever impact report, revealing that over 5,000 Sotonians have received the charity’s support.

The report revealed that more than 1 in 50 city residents are benefitting from the charity’s free projects.

The impact report was published on Monday, February 19 and gave an insight into the level of support that Southampton FC’s charity is providing for local communities.

The report found that in the 2022-23 football season alone, 5,316 people engaged with one of the Foundation’s 15 charitable projects, which equates to more than 1 in 50 city residents.

With around 16% of Southampton households having no money left after they pay essential bills, the need for support in deprived areas has never been greater, and that’s where Saints Foundation is targeting its support.

Around one-third of their participants live in one of the 20% most deprived areas of the country, the report reveals.

The impact report also shares how over a thousand young people have boosted their engagement in school thanks to the Saints Foundation, and more than 500 people have made a sustained, long-term change to their health post-project.

“Without Saints Foundation, I honestly think I’d be either dead or homeless,” one Saints Foundation participant shares in the report.

Another reads: “I have been able to think about and discuss subjects I have avoided for years.”

Launched in 2001, Saints Foundation is the official charity of Southampton FC. Its latest strategic plan – titled Supporting Southampton – was published last year, with the charity focusing its work on improving five key areas that align with the UN’s sustainable development goals. These are Health, Education, Employability, Gender Equality and Pathways (reducing offending).

Greg Baker, CEO of Saints Foundation, said: “We’re pleased to share our first-ever impact report, delving into the impact we’ve made in the first full year of delivering our latest strategic plan – Supporting Southampton.

“We’re proud to see here, in black and white, how thousands of people have made huge strides to improve their lives with our support.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing Saints Foundation staff for the life-changing work they deliver day in, day out in our communities.”

Lucy Horne, head of impact and insight at Saints Foundation, added: “After setting out our new plan last year, it’s great to assess our progress and see the many successes we’ve achieved so far.

“As much as I hope the report makes everyone feel proud of what our participants have achieved, I also hope people find it useful for appreciating how football can help drive positive change.

“There’s also lots of learnings we can take away from this report, allowing us to adapt and develop our projects so that we continue to meet our city’s ever-evolving needs.

"Our work doesn’t stop here – we march on towards our vision of a Southampton where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”