Queens Park Rangers have teamed up with three London boroughs to promote fostering to its fans and support looked-after children.
There are over 400 children in need of short and long-term care in Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and Westminster boroughs.
The club will begin by promoting fostering to its fans before running a series of schemes to help children in care.
“We know this is very important work on a local level for the boroughs we serve, there’s a need for more foster carers,” said QPR Trust CEO Andy Evans.
“QPR is an authentic community club and hopefully we get that message to a wider audience.”
The club will be giving places on their summer camps to children in the care system which will see them get the opportunity to train with coaches and meet players.
They will also be giving places on their mental health scheme, Healthy Kickers, to children that care workers identify as being at risk or are suffering from mental health issues.
These places are being offered for free to the councils so that there’s always space for children who want to be involved.
“This provides kids an opportunity to be a part of something, be a part of a group and get the benefits of building self-confidence,” he continued.
“It gives them something to identify with and belong to, being a part of a football club, it can give them an anchor in their life.”
This community spirit feeling is something QPR are keen to pass along to the children and they want to show that they are a football club that cares, and everyone is welcome.
Councillor Emma Will, Kensington and Chelsea’s lead member for families, children and schools, has welcomed the partnership saying it is a great partnership with a club that has strong links with the community.
The three boroughs deliver young people’s services together and have previously partnered with QPR on with the tri-borough’s youth offending teams working with children known to them.
Mr Evans said the club is a significant contributor to community services and that they are proud to work hand in hand with the authorities.
The authorities are keen to dispel the message that only experienced parents can become foster carers, they say all you need is to be over 21, have a stable lifestyle and a spare room to help a child in need.
