Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust CEO message

    The football club's official charity is building on a busy and successful year.

    More than £48,000 was raised for organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness, while hundreds of residents benefited from a range of community, health and wellbeing initiatives.

    Now, as a new football season gets underway, CEO Paul Mitchell says the Trust is focused on growing its impact even further.

    "As the new football season gets underway, I feel a real sense of excitement around Stadium MK, even more so this year following the club's promotion to Sky Bet League One," he said.

    "The start of a new season is also a chance to reflect on the positive difference our programmes can make in people's lives and to look ahead to how we can continue to engage, inspire and support people of all ages across Milton Keynes.

    "It also marks the end of what has been an extremely busy summer for the Trust. From supporting our inclusion football teams at the Special Olympics GB National Games in Birmingham to bringing together Milton Keynes care homes for a memorable inter-home sports day, alongside the successful relaunch of summer soccer schools, it has been another reminder of the powerful impact of the work that we do.

    "Just over a year has passed since I became CEO, and what makes me most proud is not simply the number of people we engage, but the stories behind those numbers. Every participant who gains confidence, every person who discovers a new passion, and every individual who feels more connected to their community and MK Dons represents the real value of what we do.

    "Looking ahead, our ambition remains clear. We want to build on this momentum and do things bigger and better in 2026/2027.

    "After raising over £48,000 for those experiencing homelessness last year, the CEO Sleepout event will return in November to Stadium MK – details of which will be shared next week.

    "We hope to see even more people involved and even more money raised, with funds once again split between several local causes including The Shelter MK, Unity MK, YMCA Milton Keynes and ourselves.

    "The Walk from Woughton will also be returning following its successful launch in April," he promised.

    "One of the things I enjoyed most about the first Walk From Woughton was seeing supporters connect with the Trust's work in a different way. It showed that our community wants to play an active role in creating positive change, not just watch from the sidelines.

    "This year will see us partner with the George Baldock Foundation to help raise vital funds for young people across Milton Keynes, providing them with a safe, sociable environment to build confidence, form new friendships and engage in physical activity.

    "A big and continued focus for the coming year will be supporting mental health initiatives, including bringing the Mental Health World Cup to Stadium MK in May 2027, as well as being at the forefront of employability and supporting people into work.

    "None of this would be possible without the support of our participants, partners, staff and volunteers and we look forward to working together to make 2026/27 our most impactful season yet.

    "More opportunities, more partnerships, more people supported and more lives changed. That's what success looks like for us in 2026/27," he added.

     

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