Woods join with charity partner

By Neil Harvey

Northwood FC will mark the start of its 100th anniversary year by launching a new community partnership with Mount Vernon Cancer Care Charity.

The Southern League Division One Central side will officially launch the start of a series of celebratory events at a Valentine’s Day launch event at their Skyline Roofing Stadium under the theme “Love your local hospital, love your local football club, love your community”.

Woods have unveiled a year-long series of initiatives and events designed to support people affected by cancer, encourage conversation and connection, raise funds for the charity and bring the local community together through sport and shared experiences.

One of the key initiatives is “In The Woods Together: A Brew, A Chat, A Match”, which will offer free matchday invitations to people undergoing cancer treatment, those supporting a loved one at Mount Vernon Hospital during 2026, and anyone who may benefit from a welcoming space, a cup of tea, some grassroots football and a sense of normality.

The club will provide a calm, friendly environment, including a quiet space before kick-off for those who would prefer a gentler, less busy setting.

The club will also announce the Northwood 100 Challenge, a community fitness and fundraising initiative launching later in the year.

Children will be encouraged to complete 100 laps over several months — whether at school around the playground, on a football pitch or at home — while adults will be invited to complete 100km individually or as part of a team over several months.

A Celebrity Football Match is also planned for Monday May 4 with details to be revealed soon.

All funds raised through the partnership will support Mount Vernon Cancer Care Charity, specifically The Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, which provides vital emotional, practical and wellbeing support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.

Club chairman Ian Barry said: “As we celebrate 100 years of Northwood FC, it felt incredibly important that our centenary year was about more than football.

“This partnership is about people — about community, kindness and making space for conversation. Football clubs are places of belonging, and we want everyone to know that, whatever they’re going through, they are always welcome here.”

Beth McNeil, Head of Fundraising at Mount Vernon Cancer Care, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Northwood FC for creating something that brings warmth, understanding and connection into the heart of the community.

“Initiatives like this help people feel less alone — and that matters more than ever.”

The Valentine’s Day launch will formally open Northwood FC’s centenary year and set the tone for a programme rooted in togetherness, wellbeing and local pride.

The Woods were 18th in the Southern League Division One Central table before yesterday, just three points adrift of the relegation places.