Sutton United Foundation was delighted to join The Star Wallington for its reopening celebration, marking the beginning of an exciting new community partnership and welcoming The Star as a Platinum Friend of the Foundation.
The event, held at the newly refurbished Star in Manor Road, Wallington, brought together representatives from Sutton United Foundation, local community groups, businesses, football, local government and importantly, some of the people who take part in the Foundation’s EveryBody programmes.
The evening was also a chance to recognise the tremendous amount of work that Andy Armstrong and his team have put into The Star since Andy arrived as its new Operator just five weeks ago.
In a remarkably short space of time, they have worked hard to make the pub feel warm, welcoming and firmly rooted in the local community. The care and energy that has gone into the venue was clear throughout the evening, creating exactly the kind of friendly community atmosphere that makes this partnership feel such a natural fit.
The Star’s commitment represents the highest level of Sutton United Foundation’s Friend of the Foundation programme, with a £1,000 annual commitment supporting the Foundation’s work across Sutton and the surrounding community.
Bringing the community together
Representing Sutton United Foundation at the event were Bobby Childs, Head of the Foundation; Harry Dunne, Community Coach; Chris Corner, Head of Health & Exercise; and Karin Flower, Trustee.
They were joined by a group of participants from the Foundation’s EveryBody sessions — giving guests the opportunity to meet some of the people who directly benefit from the programmes that The Star’s Friend of the Foundation commitment will help support.
The Foundation’s EveryBody programme includes activities aimed at improving physical and mental wellbeing, reducing isolation and creating opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to become active and connected within their community.
Existing activities include Walking Football, Boxing and Indoor Sports, Nordic Walking and other inclusive sessions. ( Please check out available sessions on our easy to use online calendar – just click HERE).
Local small businesses that support the Foundation were also represented, highlighting the growing network of businesses, organisations and individuals working alongside Sutton United Foundation to make a difference locally.
Local business Rocoja Limited attended the event to provide media coverage and capture photographs from the evening.
Support from across Sutton
The event was also attended by The Worshipful the Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq, who is currently serving his third non-consecutive term as Mayor of Sutton, having previously held the role in 2015–16 and 2019–20.
Bobby Dean MP, Member of Parliament for Carshalton and Wallington, also joined the celebrations.
Representing Sutton United Women’s Football Team were Hanna Hevesy and Lucy Mallon, while Tim Newland from Stonegate Group was also among the guests supporting the occasion.
Their attendance reflected exactly what the Friend of the Foundation programme is designed to encourage — connections between community organisations, businesses, sport, local representatives and the people who live within the borough.
More than sponsorship
The partnership between The Star and Sutton United Foundation is intended to be much more than simply a financial contribution.
A dedicated Sutton United Foundation community information board will be displayed within The Star, helping local residents discover the activities and opportunities available through the Foundation. The organisations will also work together on future fundraising, events, community activities and initiatives throughout the year.
The Star will proudly display its specially created Platinum Friend of the Foundation crest, recognising its commitment at the highest level of the scheme.
Sutton United Foundation would like to thank Andy Armstrong and the whole team at The Star — not only for their commitment to becoming a Platinum Friend of the Foundation, but for the hard work, enthusiasm and community spirit they have already brought to the venue in such a short time.
We would also like to thank all of the guests, participants, local businesses and community representatives who helped make the occasion such a positive celebration.
We look forward to seeing both The Star and this new partnership continue to grow, and most importantly, seeing the difference that working together can make within our local community.
United in the Community.
Be sure to follow us on Socials