Rotherham United Community Trust is delighted to launch The Common Ground, a new two-year project bringing people from different communities, cultures and faiths across Rotherham together through physical activity, football and shared experiences.

Made possible by the Premier League Fans Fund, The Common Ground will create welcoming opportunities for people of all ages to meet, get active, make new connections and feel part of the Rotherham United community.

The project officially launched at the AESSEAL New York Stadium as part of Rotherham United’s Rotherham Day matchday celebrations, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people and communities that make our borough what it is.

At the heart of The Common Ground will be a series of community hubs taking place in the lead-up to selected Rotherham United home fixtures.

Initially based in Eastwood, Masbrough and Aston, the hubs will offer fun and accessible physical activities for everyone from children and young people to families, adults and older residents.

Following the community hubs, participants will also have the opportunity to come together and experience a Rotherham United home match at the AESSEAL New York Stadium for free.

The Common Ground has been shaped alongside local organisations and faith groups, helping RUCT to understand what communities want from the project and ensuring the activities and opportunities provided are welcoming and relevant to the people they are designed to support.

For some participants, the project may provide their first opportunity to get involved in activities within their local community, meet people they may not otherwise have met or experience a Rotherham United matchday.

Over the next two years, RUCT hopes The Common Ground will help strengthen relationships between communities while celebrating the diversity that exists across the borough.

Rotherham is home to people of many different ages, backgrounds, cultures and faiths, but The Common Ground is about focusing on the things that can bring us together.

Whether that is getting involved in an activity, meeting someone new or cheering on the Millers together, the project will create more opportunities for people across Rotherham to share positive experiences.

The Common Ground is open to everyone, and this is only the beginning.

Keep an eye on RUCT’s website and social media channels for details of upcoming community hubs and opportunities to get involved.