3/1 To Win
Derby County Football Club today launches a new initiative aimed at helping supporters, the local community and those in need during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Wholeheartedly endorsed and supported by manager Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the players, Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected is a wide-ranging programme of help, advice and measures to support communities across Derby.
The project is still very much in its infancy and continuing to grow, so as a result more details and information will be provided in the near future as the ongoing work progresses.
Stay Safe includes helping with the city’s major relief efforts, including and providing food donations to the most in need and providing space to set up a food hub at Pride Park Stadium in partnership with the City Council and in conjunction with Derby County Community Trust.
Stay Fit entails keeping in good physical and, of course, mental shape with exercises and well-being videos from the club’s players and specialist fitness experts.
Stay Connected with regular lighthearted player interviews, Curtis Davies helping with personal dilemmas, fun activities with Craig Forsyth’s family and a lively, upbeat chat with Shay Given.
Content will be posted via club channels daily for everyone to Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected.
Manager Phillip Cocu said: “We all want to do our bit during these difficult days and more than ever the club is determined to provide support where it can.
“We’re fully aware of the club’s importance in supporting the local community, as well as having the ability to engage with people, raising hopes and aspirations; and improving the lives of the people of Derbyshire. We want to use that as a force for good.”
Mel Morris CBE, Derby County Executive Chairman, said: “We are right behind all the efforts and hard work that is going at all levels to help communities in Derby get through the next few weeks or so, and want our supporters to know that we are here for them.
“Sometimes it is practical help in terms of food, sometimes it is about physical and mental wellbeing, and sometimes it’s just about a bit of fun for people to engage, along with their families, with the players and coaches. But whatever’s best for you, let’s do our best for each other.”
Stay Safe
Stay Safe involves Derby County, through the Derby County Community Trust, helping people get the help they need in conjunction with the Derby Community Covid Response Hub. This includes working with the Derby Food Forum Network to set up a food bank in the fan zone at Pride Park Stadium, where donations from the public and from the club can be dropped off before being taken for distribution. The club is also in talks around several other initiatives to be announced shortly.
Please Note: Members of the public are urged to only drop off food items as part of their essential journey and strict social distancing measures will need to be adhered to at all times.
Stay Fit
‘Keep Fit with Derby County’ – Each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Derby County’s Head of Strength & Conditioning Steve Haines and Head of Sports Science & Academy Medicine Luke Jenkinson, with the help of first-team players, will provide exercises for a daily workout.
And it won’t just be about remaining in good physical shape, but also mentally too and there will be some tips, suggestions and activities about how to keep the mind active and stimulated during this time.
Stay Connected
‘Dealt with by Davies’ – Each Monday
Supporters are encouraged to send their personal dilemmas, whatever their nature, over the week for Derby defender Curtis Davies to help resolve.
Whether it’s thought-provoking, fun or simply factual, it’s a chance to put questions to the experienced centre-back to be ‘Dealt with by Davies’.
‘Catching Up With...’ – Each Wednesday
Every Wednesday, RamsTV’s lead presenter Owen Bradley will catch up with a member of the playing squad for a relaxed, informal chat about various topics.
It won’t just be about football either, it’ll be an opportunity for supporters to get to know more about the individuals and their lives away from the football pitch.
‘Forsyth Family Friday’ – Each Friday
Derby County defender Craig Forsyth with lots of help from his partner Charlie will help provide some insight into how to keep busy at home, with a little help from their young children!
It’s aimed at something to keep youngsters entertained and stimulated, so anyone with little ones at home might appreciate an idea or two...although you might get more than you bargained for!
‘Any Given Sunday’ – Each Sunday
Head Goalkeeping Coach Shay Given will catch up with RamsTV’s Owen Bradley to talk about the week’s non-Coronavirus news, interesting stories and anecdotes mixed with tales from Shay’s playing days for club and country.
Given Shay’s long and distinguished career, and his penchant for an anecdote or two, it’s not to be missed!
