SSFC Foundation

The heart of our community

SSFC Foundation is the charitable arm of South Shields FC. We work with people of all ages to improve health, well-being, and opportunity across South Tyneside.

Foundation registered charity number

1176894

Total social impact since 2017

£43m+

Funds donated to charitable causes

£20k+ (24/25)

Number of school children supported each week

930

What we do

Community first. Community always.

We co-design and deliver programmes that make a genuine difference to people’s lives. Rooted in the science of wellbeing, everything we do supports at least one of five proven pillars of good health.

From early years learning in primary schools to fitness classes, grassroots football, and community events at Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare, our programmes serve people of all ages across South Tyneside. We start with what our community needs, and build from there.

Explore how the SSFC Foundation works to strengthen our community bond and build brighter futures through the impact of sport.

Explore Our Club

The Five Ways to Wellbeing

Everything starts here

Our programmes are built around five things proven to improve how people feel, physically, mentally, and socially. Whatever session you join or activity you take part in, you'll find at least one of these at its heart.

Connect

Building friendships and spending time with others is powerful medicine for your well-being.

Be Active

Regular movement lifts your mood, strengthens your body and mind, and keeps you healthy.

Take Notice

Staying present and aware of the world around you builds calm, understanding and resilience.

Give back

Volunteering and supporting others has a remarkable effect on your own happiness.

Keep Learning

Learning a new skill or taking on a fresh challenge builds confidence and opens unexpected doors.

Browse Activities

Our premises

An enduring partnership

Our community work is based at the historic Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare on Low Lane, and we want to shine a light on our unique relationship with this wonderful venue.

The Welfare ground is not owned by the football club. It belongs to the Harton & Westoe Miners Welfare, a completely separate, standalone charity.

In 2019, the facility faced the devastating prospect of permanent closure, which would have stripped South Tyneside of a vital community hub. Stepping in to help, the SSFC Foundation signed an agreement to take over the day-to-day management and operational financial risk of the site.

By managing and safeguarding the facilities on behalf of the Welfare charity, the Foundation secured a permanent, thriving base to deliver its life-changing sports, health, and educational programmes to thousands of local people.

Our impact at the Welfare is amplified by our proud affiliation with the National League Trust. This partnership provides vital backing that helps us scale our grassroots community delivery. This means that our outreach programmes remain fully supported and tightly aligned with nationwide standards for community football development.

Children waving South Shields FC flags and holding signs up that say 'Show Racism The Red Card'.

Social Impact

Real change with measurable impact

Since 2017, we’ve used a Wellbeing Valuation Approach to measure our social impact, the same methodology endorsed by HM Treasury’s Green Book. It works by placing an equivalent financial value on well-being improvements, so our impact can be measured alongside our finances.

We publish full social and financial accounts every year.

Social & Financial Accounts

June 2025

Social Accounts 06 25

pdf 692kb

June 2023

Social Accounts 06 23

pdf 759kb

June 2024

Social Accounts 06 24

pdf 870kb

June 2022

Social Accounts 06 22

pdf 648kb

Full accounts and annual returns can be found on the Government’s Charity Commission website.

Beneficiaries

Built for those who need it most

South Tyneside is home to some of the most deprived communities in England. Using the ONS Indices of Multiple Deprivation, we’ve identified the challenges that shape our programme design, and we work hard to make sure our activities reach the people who need them most.

Challenges we address include:

Transport & accessibility barriers
Health inequalities and premature mortality
Low participation in physical activity due to health issues, mobility or lack of access
Employability and the increasing skills gaps among young people
Community safety and those at risk of offending or reoffending

We work with anyone in need, with a focus on:

People living in the most deprived 5% of wards in South Tyneside
Young people aged 3-18 and their families
Older people facing social isolation
People from underrepresented groups
Young people at risk of offending
Those furthest from employment

Everyone is welcome at the Foundation. But we focus our energy where it’s needed most… in the communities facing the greatest challenges, with the people who have the least access to support.

If you’re not sure whether our programmes are right for you, just get in touch. We’ll always find a way to help.

Get involved

There's a place for you here

The Foundation is only as strong as the people behind it. The coaches, the volunteers, the participants, and the partners who believe in what we’re building. Whether you’re booking your first session or exploring a long-term partnership, we’d love to hear from you.

We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our programs. If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer at safeguarding@southshieldsfc.co.uk. You can also view our full Safeguarding Policy for more information.

Book a Session

Browse our full programme of activities on Class4Kids and book your place.

Browse & Book sessions

Support Us

Donations help us reach more people in South Tyneside. Every contribution is reinvested in our community.

Donate today

Work With Us

Interested in a partnership, volunteering, or commissioning our programmes? Let’s talk.