On Thursday 23rd March 2023 Watford Football Club Community Sports and Education Trust celebrated their thirtieth anniversary with a Gala Dinner at Vicarage Road Stadium. A host of current and former Watford FC players were present, alongside Trust partners, local businesses, Watford FC supporters, and Trust staff (courtesy of a sponsored table paid for by The Bugler Group), at the evening which also held the charity’s first-ever Trust Champion Awards.
Michael Kurn hosted the evening with stars including Luther Blissett OBE DL, Kenny Jackett, Nigel Gibbs, Steve Palmer, Alec Chamberlain, and Richard Johnson watching on. Adding to the Golden Boys buzz, were current players Daniel Bachmann, Christian Kabasele, and Club captain Tom Cleverley. Other guests included Dean Russell MP, Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, and the town’s Deputy Mayor Aga Dychton.
The Gala Dinner began with canapes and drinks in The Horizons, before moving in to The View with Community Director Rob Smith beginning the proceedings with a word of thanks to the supporters of the Trust and a nod to the legacy of Graham Taylor OBE which continues to drive this charity forward. With welcomes complete, the night continued with live music provided by Bernice Clark, a three course-meal meal from catering company Levy, and the awards themselves. The Trust Champion Awards recognised amazing local people who have been involved in the Trust and their various projects, activities, and events; and had been nominated and selected by those who engage with them directly – Trust members of staff.
With plenty to celebrate, once the formal part of the evening was done, there was time for guests to enjoy the DJ and dance back in The Horizons hospitality lounge. During the evening, there was a silent auction that featured a host of Watford FC memorabilia, as well as unique experiences. This alongside the sponsorship meant for a fantastic amount of money raised for the Trust to continue their positive work in the community – £8561.75.
Community Director, Rob Smith, said on the Gala Dinner:
“It was a great celebration of our community and the important part we play in it – a fitting way to complete our thirtieth-year anniversary. I’d like to thank all our sponsors, those who attended on the night, and of course those behind the scenes who brought it all together.
Thank you and congratulations must also go to all of our award winners, in truth we see so many who inspire us every day but these people, in particular, have shown great commitment to the community and tackling any barriers they or others face with their everyday lives.”
Photos from the evening are on the Trust’s Facebook page, which can access by clicking HERE. You can find out more about the work of the Trust by looking through this website or following @WFCTrust on social media.
