Council takes on grassroots football team in friendly to celebrate fostering
A council took on a grassroots football team in a friendly match on Saturday to celebrate fostering in Greenwich.
RBG United, made up of Greenwich councillors, staff foster carers and children, put on a fearless display against Avery Hill Reserves.
Managed by footballer-turned-foster carer Paul Smith, RBG United held their own in the first half but couldn’t keep up with their rivals, going 4-2 down after half time.
Mr Smith said: “It just felt like a family BBQ. The kids look at us and don’t see job titles, they just look at us and see a big family.”
The friendly drew crowds to Coldharbour Leisure Centre in new Eltham’s Coldharbour Estate to mark Foster Care Fortnight.
Live commentary was available on Maritime Radio with updates shared across the council’s social media channels on the day.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich council who captained RBG United, said: “I was proud to lead such an inspiring line-up onto the pitch.
“This match was more than a game; it’s about celebrating the connections that help children reach their full potential.
“At a time when the UK is facing a critical shortage of foster carers, we need to come together and recognise the power we each have to make a difference.”
At half time, both teams heard from the Fostering Networks’ head of fundraising, Phillip Jacob, who praised the borough for its efforts in foster care.
After the game, ex-professional player and chair of Charlton Athletic Football Club Paul Elliot and ex Chelsea player, Mark Stein, chose their player of the match.
Alex Foulds, social worker and RBG United’s left winger won the golden boot, despite a shocking missed penalty she would rather forget.
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Fostering is about more than just providing a roof over a child’s head, it’s about helping children reach their full potential by building the kind of supportive, loving relationships they need to thrive.”
The football match was just one event in the council’s wider programme to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight.
Across the two weeks, the council is hosting pop-up stalls across the borough to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider fostering.
To foster you need to be aged over 18, have a spare room and time to dedicate to caring for a child.
To find out more, contact 0800 052 1499 or fostering-recruitment@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Pictured top: RBG United, made up of Greenwich councillors, staff foster carers and children, put on a fearless display against Avery Hill Reserves (Picture: Greenwich council)
