Military vets get chance to connect via Millwall’s heart-warming five-a-side programme

By Kelsey McCabe

A new community initiative provides veterans with the opportunity to connect during free weekly football sessions.

In partnership with Military Veteran Football Club, Millwall Community Trust has launched its new Military Veteran Football Programme for veterans to build relationships with other former services members by meeting up to play five-a-side football matches at the Millwall Community Trust’s Lions Centre on Saturdays.

“We are very passionate about offering military veterans a safe space to come together in an environment where they will not be judged,” said David Bygate-Pittiglio, chairman of the Military Veteran Football Club.

“There is a unique camaraderie that is often lost once you leave the armed forces, and to be able to return to it as well as play football is truly invaluable.”

The new initiative was funded by a £10,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, which aims to support community programmes tackling loneliness and mental health while promoting involvement in sports.

It began when Millwall Community Trust’s education and employability manager, John Scarborough, reached out to Mr Bygate-Pittiglio and pitched the idea of a partnership between their organizations after securing the funding needed to get the program off the ground.

Mr Scarborough said: “A massive thank-you to Military Veteran Football Club – without them, this football programme wouldn’t be possible, and they were able to help us identify that there was no 5-a-side football provision for veterans in London and the south-east.”

In April, the Military Veteran Football Programme held its opening session, attended by more than 20 veterans. The day kicked off with a five-a-side football match and breakfast before the participants made their way to the Den stadium to watch Millwall host Cardiff City.

The programme plans to work with ex-forces charities and support agencies, as well as to provide education, employability, and health and well-being support for its participants.

Mr Bygate-Pittiglio said: “Listening to John’s obvious enthusiasm towards offering veterans in London and the southeast access to sessions that have been experienced by hundreds of others around the country made it a no-brainer for us to start a partnership with him and his team.”

Pictured top: A still from a video released by the community trust about the initiative. John Scarborough (left) with David Bygate-Pittiglio (Picture: Millwall Community Trust)