The Royal British Legion (RBL) has joined forces with EFL’s charitable arm, EFL in the Community, to launch the RBL Football Cup; a football programme designed to support veterans and serving personnel with their physical and mental wellbeing.

Introduced this weekend at the Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre, the pilot programme showcased sport supporting physical and mental wellbeing in the community and highlighted existing services provided by local EFL Clubs and the RBL, including the Battle Back Centre.

Over 70 members of the Armed Forces community from 9 Clubs participated in round robin matches over the weekend. With plenty of friendly competition between the teams, Millwall FC eventually came out victorious.

Rob Biggs, Millwall’s Military Veteran Football Captain said: “I think the tournament was a massive success, the best thing about it was the banter that started from the Saturday morning all the way to Sunday evening, I’ve not laughed so much in ages and with people I’ve never even met before this event.

"The impact it has on veterans will be massive and so many will be talking about this tournament for weeks if not months to come. The sad thing is so many won’t be able to do things like this again for months.

“To do it where England trained for 1966 was incredible as well and it was the perfect setting for the veterans.

“It was really lovely to see nearly 100 ex-servicemen together having an understanding without having an understanding knowing you all have that same thing in common no matter where you come from.

“The only way this can continue is through funding which I think there should be more on offer for clubs to do more for ex veterans.”

For many veterans, being part of a team helps to rediscover the camaraderie and comradeship that many have missed since coming out of service. It provides a valuable opportunity to take part in a physical activity, which in turn can improve mental wellbeing and rebuild confidence.

Paul Flood, Head of Recovery Services at the Royal British Legion said: “We are proud to be partnering with EFL in the Community to provide a programme that supports veterans physical and mental wellbeing. When people leave the Armed Forces, the camaraderie is one of the biggest losses. Having the opportunity to be part of a team again and being around likeminded people, is what makes this football programme special.”

Debbie Cook, EFL’s Director of Community said: “We know that our Clubs and the community programmes they deliver can make a positive impact on people’s lives, particularly in the area of mental health where more than 77% of participants asked reported an improvement in their mental health and wellbeing following their involvement in a Club community initiative. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Royal British Legion on this project  to help make a positive difference to the lives of those veterans and members of the armed forces living within EFL communities.”

By using football to bring people together for the greater good, the programme will create and an environment where the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and equally, and make sure they are not disadvantaged because of their service.

Access to adaptive sports and the opportunity to participate in the Invictus Games is just one way the RBL supports the wounded, injured and sick community. 

Adventurous training and art programmes are also offered to assist people on their recovery journey. Find out more here - https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/physical-and-mental-wellbeing

More information about EFL in the Community can be found here - https://eflinthecommunity.com/

Photo - RBL