As part of National Volunteer Week (Monday 1st - Sunday 7th June), Northampton Saints Foundation have been highlighting the incredible work of the volunteers involved within the Foundation.
From the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, volunteers have donated over 900 hours of their time across the Foundation's monthly Memory Cafe, fundraising, employability and heritage departments. In recognition, the Foundation have been celebrating their dedication with a special lunch to say thanks.
Highlighting the impact volunteers have on the Fundraising department, Matt Robinson, Head of Fundraising, shared “We rely so heavily on our volunteers who support us with numerous elements of work, the impact they have is fantastic. They simply get out to more people than we could. Whether it's counting raffle tickets after a match, helping us count fundraising money and coming in to support us with contacting local businesses, to really help us build those relationships in the wider community.”
Alongside this, the Foundation’s Heritage department is supported by 14 dedicated volunteers, who play a vital role in preserving the rich history of Northampton Saints Rugby Club. Their work involves researching historical records, cataloguing and archiving photos, articles and memorabilia, and supporting exhibitions like Black, Green & Golden Age Project and the Lions Project.
When asked about volunteering at the Foundation, Heather who has been volunteering for a year shared “Having been a Saints supporter for many years, I relished the opportunity to join the Heritage team and take an active part in preserving the legacy of a great club. Volunteering creates a chance to meet like-minded people and contribute to a valuable team activity. It is satisfying to know that my small contribution may be able to help other people in years to come to know and value the Saints’ history and traditions.”
In addition to Fundraising and Heritage, 21 volunteers also impact the monthly Memory Cafe which provides a social space for people experiencing loneliness, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia as well as their caregivers and loved ones. They provide the opportunity to support in enrichment activities, pitch walks and engage with the users of the cafe.
The Employability Programme, which supports young people gain qualifications, close skills gaps and workplace experience, is also supported by volunteers. They provide talks, on-site visits and workshops that help build employability skills like interview techniques, CV and cover letter writing. Craig Phillip, Head of Employability and Skills, reflected on how volunteers are “instrumental “ in supporting the young people within Employability, and helping to reduce the county’s NEET numbers by saying “The businesses and the local organisations that spend their time to come and support the Foundation is just incredible, it really supports how we are trying to prepare the young people for their next steps."
Northampton Saints Foundation would also like to extend their thanks to their ambassadors who have shared their time and experience across the Foundation, supporting with programmes and fundraising. Most notably, Foundation Day and the Foundation’s annual Christmas Carols event, hosted and written by Ethan Waller.
Northampton Saints Foundation is incredibly grateful for the dedication shown by the volunteers, whose support continues to make a vital difference across the community.
If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer, please email admin@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org