Congratulations to Ruairi Dovey, Phil & Jeanette, Fiona Brook, Carol Ashby and Jay Drackford, all of whom were nominated as part of the EFL Community Weekends campaign, and recognised at the recent game between Stevenage FC and Huddersfield Town at The Lamex Stadium.
Ruairi Dovey
Earlier in the season, Ruairi was one of our matchday mascots and had such an incredible impact on our staff and first team players, including his favourite player, Dan Butler. Ruairi is registered as disabled due to speech and anxiety-related challenges but has found a “home” at Stevenage FC according to mum, Hannah.
The impact that being part of the Stevenage FC family has had on Ruairi has been hugely positive on his self-confidence and self-esteem. However, it is the impact that Ruairi has had on matchday staff, volunteers, and players that makes him a hero in our eyes.
Phil & Jeanette Walker
We first met Phil and Jeanette at our Boro Bygones Walking Football and Reminiscence session which was delivered in partnership with The Red Shed during the summer of 2024. Phil was diagnosed with early onset dementia but hadn’t felt comfortable joining any other dementia related groups, until he heard about the walking football element of Boro Bygones. Both Phil & Jeanette are now also regular attendees to our bi-weekly Extra Time Hub for retired and semi-retired people, broadening their Boro social network.
Jeanette has this to say about the impact on both her and Phil “I’ve noticed a massive difference. If you think how Phil was week one, standing arms crossed and wouldn’t really get involved, now he’s talking to the other people here and he’s really enjoyed it. It’s broken down a lot of barriers and stigma around dementia for him”.
Fiona Brook
Our Her Game Too Ambassador, and a champion of all things Stevenage FC Women, Fiona has made it her personal mission to grow awareness of the women & girls’ game within the Stevenage FC fanbase. Whether it be promoting activities at The Lamex, attending Women’s games home and away, or raising vital funds to support the growth of the Women’s game trough fundraising events in the 76 Lounge and beyond.
Fiona has most recently secured Stevenage FC Women’s captain, Lucy Webster and men’s first team midfielder Dan Kemp as Her Game Too Player Ambassadors for the Club.
Jay Drackford
The voice of The Lamex! Jay has been a long standing and prominent face at The Lamex on a matchday, as well as supporting the Foundation and its work in the wider community. Whether that be through his own work in the community, hosting events for the Foundation, or giving people their plaudits over the mic from The Lamex turf.
A long time fan, and community focused at heart, Jay is a fundamental to why many in the town and beyond call Stevenage FC a proper community club.
Carol Ashby
Collected by her husband Jim Ashby, in memory of former Foundation trustee Carol, who begun have affinity with the Boro back in the 70s. Even sharing her first date with Jim at Broadhall Way! Carol joined the Foundation in 2016, utilising her background in HR to support the Foundation transition from a local coaching company to the impactful charity it is today.
An advocate for Stevenage on and off the pitch, always found in the West Stand on a matchday, sharing her and Jim’s opinions with the away team manager, Carol stepped down in 2024 and sadly passed away in February 2025.
Reflecting on where the Foundation is today, it is safe to say that Carol was a key building block in making the Foundation one of the most impactful charities in the local area.
Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, said: “EFL Club Charities engage more than 1 million people in our communities all year round. To be able to showcase the Club community work as a collective and acknowledge the work of participants and programme leaders -many of whom are volunteers – really shows the scope and impact this vital work plays in supporting local fans and residents.”
For more information on the impact the EFL in the Community network delivers across the England and Wales – CLICK HERE
