Chester helps to net new foster carers for children in Derbyshire County Council’s care

A football club mascot is helping Derbyshire County Council recruit new foster carers – as well as offering children in foster care some treats and trips throughout the…

A football club mascot is helping Derbyshire County Council recruit new foster carers – as well as offering children in foster care some treats and trips throughout the year.

Chesterfield Football Club mascot Chester the Field mouse will be proudly promoting fostering opportunities with Derbyshire County Council.

As part of the partnership package the National League club, based at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield and better known locally by its nickname, the Spireites, have also offered to treat children in Derbyshire County Council’s foster care with a range of free activities including:

  • Attendance at school holiday soccer schools throughout the year
  • School holiday day trips eg to football clubs and museums
  • Exclusive sessions in ‘Chester’s Den’ play centre at the Proact Stadium
  • Tickets for selected Chesterfield Football Club matches

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to highlight and promote fostering opportunities with the county council and we’re delighted to team up with Chesterfield Football Club and their mascot Chester this season.

“As such a well-known and popular character, Chester is the perfect ambassador to help us attract new recruits.

“Spireites matches not only attract spectators from Chesterfield but from across the county too, which is particularly helpful for us as we are committed to keeping the Derbyshire children in our care in Derbyshire. There might be fans there who have just the kind of qualities we’re looking for to give a child a loving home.

“The generous additional benefits the club is offering our children in foster care as part of this partnership are also a very welcome complement to the incentives we offer our carers and their families.”

Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust CEO John Croot said: “Football is a sport which helps to bring people together and something the whole family can enjoy – that’s why we’re delighted to help Derbyshire County Council recruit new foster carers for local children who need, loving stable homes.

“Our mascot Chester the Fieldmouse is proud to show off the fostering message on his shirt which will be seen by thousands of spectators as well as at his school visits and other community events this season.”

#spireites #chesterfieldfc @ChesterfieldFC @ChesterCFCMouse

To find out more, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering or call free on 0800 083 77 44