Thirty years! I could say it makes me feel old. But it makes me above all feel so proud. To have been one of the players that created this Trust spirit having grown up with Watford FC from a teenager and under the guidance of Graham Taylor OBE, to have become more than a name in the Club’s football history.
Graham made all of us see the impact our careers made on the local people and what we owed to those in our town. He created the first real Club that literally breathed as one with the community.
The community of Watford has grown dramatically over the years since the Trust, not only in terms of size, but also the broad spectrum of cultural influences locally. With growing global interest in English clubs and a more commercial focus, it is possible for a club to develop away from its roots. So the Trust has been an important part of keeping those Watford FC heritage and values championed.
With football itself taking up those values as an expected part of their service today, we have seen the emergence of platforms for Watford and other clubs to deliver programmes which support their supporters and resonate with the local community still. From the education of young people on key social topics, to providing events that help fans with isolation and different life challenges both physically and mentally.
The Trust provides this link and the services we have come to expect of a Club. Our Club in particular. When the Trust was created 30 years ago, it was to reflect and uphold that vision and local legacy established by Graham.
Well done to the Trust for all you continue to do.