RG4 FC

A team demonstrating “true power of community volunteering” have been nominated for Volunteers of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker.

The volunteer team behind RG4 FC and RG4FC Underdogs, based at the Weller Centre on Amersham Road in Caversham, are helping to remove the barriers that prevent many people from taking part in sport.

“With support from The Weller Centre, RG4 FC is removing the financial barriers that stop local children accessing youth football,” said the nominator.

“If the team has space, they will take any child on, regardless of financial circumstances or neurodiversity.”

The volunteers provide low or no-cost training and match opportunities for children aged seven to 16, while also taking on fundraising, coaching, safeguarding, kit washing and pitch maintenance responsibilities behind the scenes.

The team also created the RG4FC Underdogs, a Wednesday-night men’s football group supporting adults experiencing isolation, mental health struggles, addiction and physical setbacks.

“The Underdogs offer men a safe space to relax, get fitter and talk in a non-formal environment,” the nominator added. “Because it’s football rather than formal therapy, people are more likely to open up.”

“This football club does not exist for profit or prestige. Instead, it exists entirely because a small, passionate group of local volunteers refuse to let the financial barriers of youth sports, lack of experience or neuro-diversities dictate who gets to put on some boots and play football.”