Our latest Blues in the Community update highlights the involvement of Pompey players and staff in the local area over the past few weeks.
With autumn among us, supporter club meetings have swung into action once more. The Central Branch welcomed Colby Bishop – who they sponsor – and Alex Robertson to their latest gathering in the Legends Lounge.
The duo were there for more than an hour and took part in a question and answer session, with a range of topics discussed.
A few days later, Paddy Lane and Joe Rafferty visited the Chichester Supporters’ Club headquarters, giving an insight into their climbs up the footballing ladder, as well as their time at Fratton Park.
The pair were again only too happy to answer everyone’s questions and pose for photographs with appreciative members.
Meanwhile, the South West Supporters’ Club held their AGM in Bristol the day after Pompey’s League One victory at Wigan.
Their sponsored players Regan Poole – who had netted his third goal of the season at the DW Stadium – sent a video message to wish the group well.
A busy week on the supporter meeting front saw chief executive Andrew Cullen, sporting director Rich Hughes and director of sales Mark Judges attend the first Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference of the season on the morning of the Port Vale match.
Topics discussed included the start to the season, ongoing stadium works and ticketing issues, with full minutes now available to read.
Before the same fixture, the club paid tribute to supporter Pete Blackman, who passed away at the age of 55 following a brave battle with lung cancer.
A talented photographer, he had been working with the club on a 125th anniversary project and some of his pictures were displayed on the big screen.
Club ambassador Alan Knight paid a visit to St John’s Primary School as part of Pompey in the Community’s inclusion day and spoke to students about his playing days.
Players have been greeting supporters on matchdays, with Kusini Yengi and Ryley Towler surprising our flag-wavers ahead of the Wycombe game, while Marlon Pack and Will Norris have spent time with mascots.
The club have also made charitable donations of signed shirts and footballs to the following good causes over the past month:
- PATCH, which is a charity run by parents, teachers and friends of Stamshaw Infant and Junior Schools to enhance facilities and the children’s education.
- The Amelia-Mae Foundation, which supports families affected by neuroblastoma.
- The Portsmouth Lord Mayor’s charities.
- Fundraising for a sufferer of mesothelioma (a type of cancer linked to asbestos)
- Ukraine charity auction
- Anton Walkes memorial day