Saturday’s fixture against Charlton Athletic wasn’t just a match. For the first time ever, the team invited their friends and family to celebrate the work of Cardiff City FC’s official charity and showcase its impact, bringing everyone together in the red seats as one team.

The Community Foundation is dedicated to changing lives and transforming communities, and they’re inviting more bluebirds to join them in this mission. Whether it’s through their education programmes, health initiatives, or outreach projects, they are committed to helping people across South Wales reach their full potential.

This season, the Community Foundation team and their loved ones, partners, service users, and trustees took over the Ninian Stand to encourage more people to get involved in our work, whether that be through fundraising, sharing what we do, or referring someone to one of our programmes.

To kick off the pre-match festivities, as guests arrived, they were treated to a brilliant choir performance from pupils at Pencaerau Primary School, one of their long-standing partner primary schools. They continue to impress every year and were invited back as a token of appreciation for their continued hard work.

The charity transformed the Ninian Stand into a Cardiff City-themed soft play area, with plenty of football-based activities available for Junior Bluebirds of all ages. Also joining us in the stands to cheer on the Bluebirds and celebrate the Community Foundation were beneficiaries of its community projects, including members of the Cardiff City Veterans Hub, 1927 Club and Inclusive Kicks.

Some of their youngest beneficiaries also had the unforgettable experience of walking out as mascots alongside their favourite players. They were selected for their leadership and commitment to inclusion at Cardiff City Soccer Schools over the summer holidays.

Community Foundation CEO Zac Lyndon-Jones also took part in a Q&A session in hospitality alongside Community Foundation champion and former Cardiff City player, Roger Gibbins. They discussed the power of football to bring people together and explored the positive impact players can have within their communities both on and off the pitch.

The Community Foundation was also joined in the Ninian Lounge by Friend of the Foundation and gold medal-winning sprinter Jeremiah Azu, who was raised in Cardiff, following his pitch walk to showcase his medals.

Around the stadium, hospitality and club shop, a QR code and slogan, Changing Lives, Transforming Communities, were lit up to encourage Bluebirds to scan and donate throughout the match, where every penny makes a difference in our communities.

On the pitch, the players (and Bartley!) warmed up in Community Foundation-branded tops and carried the organisation’s logo on their shirts, wearing both badges with pride during the match.

At the heart of this Club are the fans and communities across South Wales who support us week in, week out. Through the Community Foundation’s education programmes, health initiatives, and outreach projects, they’re helping people reach their full potential.

Couldn’t make it or donate on the day? You can make a donation via JustGiving here, or text BLUEBIRDS to 70085 to donate just £1 and help them continue their vital work in the community.

Did you know?

£10 could fund a primary school session inspiring children to lead healthier, happier lives.

£100 would provide a session in the Sensory Room at Cardiff City Stadium for up to 12 people.

If 10,000 Cardiff City FC supporters donated £1, we could fund our dementia and Alzheimer’s support group at Cardiff City Stadium, the 1927 Club, for an entire year!