Woodbridge Supports Volunteering Matters

OW Jim Marshall recently arranged for Friends XI (a group of OWs and friends) to play Volunteering Matters Young People (all 16 – 25 years olds, many of whom arrived in the country as unaccompanied refugees). Volunteering Matters is a charity that works with inspirational volunteers and partners to transform lives in the community.  Jim is a volunteer ambassador and mentor for the charity.  Woodbridge School happily donated the use of our Tollers pitch and the loan of a minibus and driver to help support the match, which was the second in a series of charity football matches organised by Jim and the charity.  

Drawing 6-6, the match was more about the people involved and what they got from taking part than it ever was about the score. All of the young men playing for VM have a story and in many cases the VM Grandmentors project has played a crucial part in supporting their transition from care into independence.  The VM squad boasted a student nurse, second year university sport scientist and a degree apprentice telecoms engineer, with one of the players just 16 years old and relatively new to the UK, alongside others who were also at the beginning of their journey towards independence.  

A post-match meal was put on by The Table, where players and spectators enjoyed a bite to eat and a chance to exchange stories, experiences as well as hopes and aspirations for their future.  This alongside the donation of funds by local companies including Marshall Wolfe, Best of Suffolk and Rokker, meant the day was a huge success in every single way, and something Woodbridge School was proud to be a part of.  

For more information, including how to get involved and support the charity, please visit Volunteering Matters at For our community – Volunteering Matters