Back in 2010, David Cameron was the UK’s Prime Minister, Chelsea were the Premier League champions, Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged and the Chilean Miners were rescued. 

It was also a significant year in Burton Albion’s recent history after promotion to the Football League one year prior: the birth of their community trust.

Since then, the Burton Albion Community Trust has grown into one of the leading footballing charities in England, helping people mainly in East Staffordshire. The Trust won the EFL’s Midlands Club of the Year two years in a row back in 2016 and 2017.

And only one member of staff has witnessed the Trust’s incredible growth and success from the very beginning: Football Development Manager, Scott Taylor. 

“The growth over the past ten years has been incredible. It seems to be the only thing that has grown as I certainly have not,” Scott joked. 

“We have built a reputation in the Midlands.

Entrance to the Burton Albion Community Trust 3G Pitch

“The likes of Aston Villa and Derby County are looking at the work we do and the impact we have on the community.

“You think, surely that should be the other way around.”

Matt Hancock, head of Burton Albion Community Trust, joined back in 2012 before stepping up to his current role in 2017. Matt believes that whilst the engagement numbers are great across the Trusts five scopes of work, the Trust will be focusing on another area of their work.

Burton Albion Community Trust’s engagement and impact numbers in their five scopes of work.

“The engagement figures continue to rise, which we love, but for us now ultimately, it is about impact,” Matt announced.

“The impact we have on people’s lives.

“So, when we can see that we are improving physical health, helping people’s mental health, along with our fantastic cancer recovery programmes.

“These programmes that make a real impact give everyone at the Trust a sense of satisfaction.”

Matt also expressed his gratitude to Ben Robinson (Burton Albion’s Chairman) as, without his support, the impact the Trust has would be minimal compared to what it is now.

“From day one, the football club has been fully supportive of the Trust, and in return, we are very proud about being Burton Albion,” Matt said. 

“The chairman’s backing is instrumental in the impact that we have as he opens doors that quite frankly, would not be possible to open.”

Reece Brown, the newly appointed schools coordinator, joined Burton Albion Community Trust back in 2012 as an apprentice after finishing school. Since then, he has become a crucial member of the team and believes over the next ten years: the Trust will continue to grow at an even larger rate.

“Using the power of sport and the brand of Burton Albion Football Club to inspire, engage and educate the local community, we can impact even more people’s lives,” claimed Reece.

“One of the greatest moments of my life was going over to Ghana. To see how these people live is awful, but I was glad we could have an impact on their lives.

“We want people to be proud of their local club, and hopefully, we are doing them proud.”

No matter what happens over the next few days, months or years, Burton Albion Community Trust will continue to impact their local community through the power of sport.

Entrance to Burton Albion Community Trust’s Football Centre

Read more: The five biggest moments in Burton Albion Community Trust’s history.