FGR Community | Building Circles

Building Circles and FGR Community Kick Off New Partnership to Grow Football Buddies Programme 

New partnership aims to connect volunteers and adults with learning disabilities through a shared love of football.  

Building Circles is delighted to announce a new partnership with Forest Green Rovers Community to support and expand its Football Buddies programme, creating more opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to enjoy the excitement, community and connection that football brings. 

Football Buddies is a unique initiative that pairs adults with learning disabilities with volunteer buddies who share their passion for the game. Together, they attend football matches, build meaningful friendships and enjoy being part of their local sporting community. The programme helps reduce social isolation while building confidence, independence and lasting connections through a shared love of football.  

The collaboration with Forest Green Rovers marks an exciting new chapter for the programme. By working together, Building Circles and the club hope to raise awareness of the opportunities available through Football Buddies and encourage more local people to step forward as volunteers. 

A current football buddy said: 

“My buddy is a good buddy; he makes me laugh and I feel happy when I'm out with him. He puts my head in a happy mood. He keeps my bad head away. We have fun.” 

Volunteers are at the heart of the Football Buddies programme. Each volunteer is matched with an adult who shares their enthusiasm for football, creating opportunities to attend matches together and develop genuine friendships. Volunteers receive training, ongoing support and reimbursement of expenses, and no previous experience is required.  

Could You Be a Football Buddy? 

Building Circles is now calling on football fans across Gloucestershire to join the programme as volunteer Football Buddies. 

Whether you're a lifelong supporter, a regular match-goer or simply someone who enjoys being part of the football community, you could make a lasting difference in someone's life. By volunteering just a small amount of your time, you can help an adult with a learning disability enjoy live football, build confidence, expand their social network and feel more connected to their community. 

If you've ever believed that football is about more than what happens on the pitch, now is your chance to put that belief into action. 

To find out more or register your interest in becoming a Football Buddy volunteer, visit www.buildingcircles.org.uk/football-buddies.