LEVEN MEMBERS CLUB FC ARE THE EAST RIDING FA CHARTER STANDARD CLUB OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER.

The East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month Award aims to recognise those clubs in our county who are going above and beyond to create fun, safe and inclusive environment for people to play and enjoy football.

Leven Members Club FC are an Adult FA Charter Standard accredited club with two teams that currently play in the East Riding County League. With a playing squad of over forty players the club decided to help the fight against child food poverty after being inspired by England International Marcus Rashford and his free school meals campaign.

Chairman Steve Hunt, second team player Martin Hatto and the rest of the squad at Leven Members Club recognised that many people in Hull and East Yorkshire were struggling as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic and with the squad unable to train because of lock down the management and players decided to use their free time to launch a campaign to raise awareness of food poverty in our county.

Leven Members Club FC Chairman Steve Hunt said; "We started off small and asked the lads to bring at least one item of food to training or a game with the response being fantastic. Lock down occurred a week after we started our efforts and we thought we might struggle to keep the momentum going which is why we then reached out to other members of the community".

Initially the club linked up with East Yorkshire Foodbank but the club are keen to support other food banks, charities and primary schools in the area so that people in both Hull and East Riding benefit.

Martin Thatto explained how pleased he is to see his team mates get on board with the idea; "Its gone better then I ever thought it would and the lads are providing fantastic support to people who really need it. The challenge now to keep it going so that we can continue to support people in Hull and East Riding".

With the club looking to expand their efforts the club Chairman explained that they have more ideas up their sleeve, Steve said; "We want to continue using our club platform to raise awareness and to give back to others. The food collections are going really strong and we planning on doing more one off fund raisers such as golf days".

Steve also added that has seen an increase in team spirit at the club; "The fact lock down started a week after we started asking for donations has really helped bring people at the club together. We have seen an increase in communication between players and managers and many of the younger lads have really got on board with it. The social side of football is so important to us and this has helped bring us all together."

Clubs and Participation Development Officer Chris Johnson said; "Leven Members Club FC are showing fantastic generosity at a time when many people in our county are struggling as a result of COVID-19. The club have gone above and beyond to support those in need and have shown a great example of what can be achieved with a simple idea and a bit of coordination."

If you would like to support the clubs campaign or would like to find our more information then please message them on Twitter or email Chairman Steve Hunt. The club have also set up a JustGiving page so people can make financial donations. Please click here if you would like to donate.

If your club has done something outstanding and deserves recognising, then please click here to make your nomination for January's East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month.