THE FIXTURE THAT MATTERS MOST
Food poverty is one of the most pressing issues facing communities across Birmingham — a city where too many families go to bed hungry, elderly residents live in isolation, and people feel forgotten.

In response, Armada FC swapped the stadium spotlight for streets and doorsteps, launching a bold, football-led initiative that’s changing lives.

The Community Food Parcel Initiative is now a match-winning service: combining football culture, volunteer energy, sustainability, and compassion to ensure no one in our city is left behind.

? THE SCOREBOARD – MAY 2025 RESULTS

Impact Area	Figures Achieved
? Total Food Collections	36 successful rescue runs
? Food Saved from Waste	670 kg
?️ Meals Created	1,597 equivalent meals
? CO₂ Emissions Prevented	1,314 kg
? Individuals Supported	3,394 people across Birmingham

This impact wasn’t achieved by chance. It was the result of precise planning, strong partnerships, and a committed community of volunteers.

THE DELIVERY GAMEPLAN
In May alone, our team carried out 36 coordinated food collection missions, retrieving surplus food from partner supermarkets, local traders, restaurants, wholesalers, and food redistribution agencies.

Once collected, every item was sorted, packed, and matched to local needs, then delivered directly to people’s homes using our eco-friendly electric vehicles — a first for any grassroots football club in Birmingham.

Key achievements in delivery:

Covered across Birmingham and Neighbouring Counties.
Delivered food to homes in Birmingham postcodes, including Sparkhill, Handsworth, Selly Oak, Northfield, Alum Rock, Erdington, Fordbridge, and Harborne
Maintained a delivery turnaround of under 48 hours from initial request to doorstep drop-off

Our deliveries included households facing food poverty, residents with disabilities, single parents, unemployed individuals, people recovering from illness, and young people recently out of care.

“The moment I saw someone in an Armada FC jacket walk up with a food parcel, I knew I wasn’t alone anymore.” – Food parcel recipient, Aston

BEHIND EVERY STAT IS A STORY
The real victory comes from knowing who we helped:

A newly arrived refugee couple living in temporary accommodation with no food or access to benefits
A single mother of three who was choosing between topping up her gas meter or buying groceries
An elderly gentleman discharged from hospital, too frail to shop or cook for himself
A young care leaver struggling with loneliness and food insecurity in their first flat

In every case, Armada FC’s delivery was more than food — it was a moment of dignity, relief, and emotional uplift.

SUSTAINABILITY WINS – FOOD WASTE REDUCED, PLANET PROTECTED
While our initiative is focused on feeding people, it’s also helping to protect the environment.

Environmental impact in May 2025:

670kg of food rescued from being sent to landfill
1,314kg of CO₂ emissions prevented, equivalent to:
Driving 3,500+ miles in a petrol car
Charging over 160,000 smartphones
The annual carbon footprint of two average UK households for energy use

By using zero-emission vehicles, sustainable packaging, and working with local surplus food suppliers, we’ve made sure our social work is also a green win for Birmingham.

TACTICAL BREAKDOWN – WHY OUR MODEL WORKS
Like any winning team, we rely on a smart formation:

Accessibility First - No ID checks. No complex registration forms. Just trust, conversation, and human connection. We’ve removed the shame and stigma often attached to seeking food help.
Culturally Inclusive Parcels - Our food parcels are built with dietary needs and cultural values in mind. This includes Halal meals, vegetarian-friendly packs, and allergen-aware ingredients.
Community-Led Delivery - Our team of over 45 active volunteers includes players, coaches, parents, local residents, and even fans — all trained to deliver with care, discretion, and respect.
Integrated Communication - Through WhatsApp, direct messaging, and community networks, we’ve made it easy for people to request support or refer others in need.
Strategic Referrals - We’re now working with:
GP practices and community nurses
Housing officers and social workers
Youth workers and local charities
Schools and family support services - This allows us to identify need quickly and respond with precision.

VOICES FROM THE TOUCHLINE – TESTIMONIALS
Our food parcel deliveries are more than groceries — they’re a lifeline. For many, they’ve brought stability, dignity, and comfort during incredibly difficult times. Below are heartfelt messages from just a few of the thousands we’ve supported:

“Really appreciate the help. If there’s any help you need in future, I’ll make myself available. Thank you ?” — Resident, Edgbaston

“I am so grateful to say the least. It’s genuinely helping me so much and I just want you to know that I sincerely appreciate it a lot.” — Resident, Handsworth

And in some cases, our deliveries have been the difference between eating and going without:

“Since my time in hospital I have found it so hard to get out. If it wouldn’t have been for this service, I wouldn’t have eaten at all.” — Resident, South Birmingham

These voices are a reminder that behind every parcel is a person, a story, and a struggle — and with every delivery, Armada FC is helping write a new chapter of hope.

NEXT FIXTURES – THE FUTURE OF THIS INITIATIVE
As the demand for food support continues to rise, we’re preparing to scale up:

Planned Actions for Summer 2025:

Launch a permanent Community Food Hub for walk-in access and referrals
Recruit and train 30 new volunteers from underserved neighbourhoods
Expand our electric fleet with 1 additional delivery van
Introduce ‘Support Packs’ including hygiene products, mental health materials, and community wellbeing offers
Host monthly Football & Food Days: where matches and meals bring the community together

We aim to support 4,000+ people monthly by Autumn 2025.

JOIN OUR SQUAD – GET INVOLVED
We’re calling on businesses, supporters, neighbours, and organisations across Birmingham to be part of the next phase.

Here’s how you can help:

Fund a delivery route or help us purchase a electric van
Donate surplus food or essential items
Sponsor our support packs
Volunteer — one hour a week can make a difference
Promote us through your networks or services

CONTACT US
Based in Edgbaston, Birmingham
info@armadafc.co.uk
www.armadafc.co.uk
Follow us: Armada FC

FULL-TIME THOUGHT
In May 2025, Armada FC proved once again that football is more than a game.
It’s a platform. It’s a voice. It’s a lifeline.

670kg of food recovered
1,597 meals created
1,314kg of CO₂ saved
3,394 people supported
Countless lives changed

This is what community football should look like. This is Armada FC.