At Margate FC Community Trust, partnerships sit at the heart of everything we do. By working alongside local organisations, businesses and supporters, we’re creating meaningful opportunities and delivering real impact across Thanet.
Working with Southeastern
We’ve been collaborating with Southeastern on several exciting initiatives. A new education programme for young people in school years 7–11 is helping raise awareness about the dangers of using the railway as a recreational space, bringing together our youth section, the club and Southeastern to keep young people safe while strengthening community connections.
We’re also exploring ways to support our homeless drop-in project, with plans underway to redirect unclaimed clothing and items from Southeastern’s Lost Property Department to those most in need – a brilliant example of partnership in action.
Thank You to Our Supporters
We’re incredibly grateful to Isle of Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club for their generous £1,000 donation towards our community work, which will make a genuine difference across our projects.
A huge thank you as well to Tesco Cliftonville. Their in-store second-hand bookshop raises funds for local charities, and we’re proud to currently be one of the chosen causes. Thanks to an appeal to our supporters, over 500 books were donated. We’ll receive the proceeds from February and March sales at the end of March – a fantastic example of the Margate community pulling together.
Building New Partnerships
We recently welcomed the team from Dreamland Margate to our game against Deal Town FC. We’re now exploring creative ways to work together, including inviting visiting artists to sign a Margate FC shirt for auction in support of the Trust. Dreamland have also expressed interest in displaying a signed shirt in their Green Room, mirroring the one currently on show at Margate Station.
We’ve also been invited to join the Thanet Place-Based Programme, coordinated by Active Kent & Medway and local partners. The programme focuses on embedding physical activity into everyday life, and we’re excited to help shape a healthier, more active Thanet.
Our Projects
Homeless Drop-In
Our homeless drop-in continues to go from strength to strength, welcoming 20+ participants weekly, rising to 35+ on health promotion days.
We were honoured to host Jamie Waterall, Deputy Chief Public Health Nurse for England, who visited to see the project in action and explore how further support might be secured. We’re also working closely with Thanet District Council to ensure this vital service remains sustainable.
Margate Memories – Supporting Older People
We’re delighted to launch Margate Memories, a Thursday-morning project supporting older people who may feel isolated. It’s all about friendship, conversation and ensuring no one feels alone.
Golden Ticket Project
Our Golden Ticket project is inspiring the next generation of Margate supporters. We’re refreshing the scheme for the remainder of this season and planning a full relaunch next year, with hopes of securing sponsorship to provide winners with hats, scarves and matchday programmes – creating unforgettable experiences for young fans.
Women’s Casual Football
What began as a small group meeting in a local park has grown into structured Sunday sessions at a 5-a-side facility. We’re proud to have supported this journey and are now exploring how the group can grow even further.
Funding and Fundraising
We continue to apply for new funding opportunities, with several bids currently under consideration. We’re also in discussions with National Lottery Community Fund regarding a substantial bid to develop a community hub at Margate FC. If successful, this would dramatically expand the services we provide and help the Trust grow exponentially.
Alongside grant funding, fundraising remains essential. Plans are underway for our Fun Run and Charity Football Match, building on last year’s success and aiming to make both events even bigger and better in 2026.
Thank You
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our partners, funders, volunteers and fans. Every donation, shared idea and hour given helps us strengthen our community. Thank you for being part of the journey.
