Chester Community Trust Granted Charity Status

The organisation uses the power of sport and the appeal of Chester FC to improve and enhance the lives of people living in Chester and the surrounding areas.

Obtaining charitable status endorses the Trust’s work as being for public benefit and will help to ensure its long term sustainability.

The move will enable the Trust to have an even greater impact in the future, providing access to new grant funding and fundraising opportunities.

The Trust was established in 2013 and operates independently from the supporter-owned Club, delivering high quality football and physical activity, education programmes, social inclusion provision, and health & wellbeing projects to people of all ages and abilities in Chester and across Cheshire West.

Liverpool-based law firm Brabners were instructed to act for the Trust, providing governance advice and overseeing registration with the Charities Commission.

Jim Green, chief executive of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “Gaining recognition as a charity has been a long-held aspiration for the Trust and I’m delighted we have now achieved this.

“It gives the Trust increased credibility and has a number of advantages, but most importantly it will allow us to build on our work and continue having a positive impact on people’s lives.

“I would like to acknowledge the fantastic support and encouragement we receive from the football club and our partners, in particular MBNA and the National League Trust, who share our passion for making a difference in our community.

“I would also like to thank Graeme Hughes and Brabners for their expertise and assistance throughout.”