We have a special matchday event taking place this Saturday, when Bedford Town visit Blackwell Meadows in the National League North

Our featured organisation is The Harvey McWilliams Foundation, a UK-registered charity based here in Darlington. At Saturday’s game, the Foundation will have an information stand and a fundraising collection. Supporters will also be able to donate football boots or kit at a dedicated boot and kit collection point.

The charity was established in 2023 by Michael McWilliams and his family, in loving memory of his son, Harvey McWilliams.

Harvey was an 18-year-old passionate footballer who played for Darlington FC’s academy, supported Sunderland AFC, and was a student at the University of Exeter, where he also played for Exeter Royals FC. Tragically, Harvey took his own life in December 2021.

Harvey was known for his generous spirit. He regularly gave away his own football boots, shin pads and kit to those in need, and firmly believed that “football is for everyone” — a phrase that has since become the Foundation’s core motto.

The charity focuses on two main areas:

Making football accessible
The Foundation operates a “boot library”, collecting, cleaning and distributing or loaning football equipment — including boots, shin pads, gloves, socks and kits — free of charge to disadvantaged children and young people. This support is particularly important amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Over the past year alone, the Foundation has supplied close to 1,000 pairs of boots and more than 2,000 kits to the local community.

Raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing
The charity promotes the physical and emotional benefits of playing football, encourages open conversations around mental health, and helps signpost individuals to appropriate support services.

Based at 5 Whessoe Road in Darlington, the Foundation has been widely praised for its community impact. In 2025, it received recognition from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for turning personal tragedy into positive change. The charity has also featured across a range of media platforms, including ITV Tyne Tees, BBC Look North, Total Sport and The Northern Echo.

The Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference. Through its support, many children have signed for local grassroots football clubs, while two boys have gone on trial with Middlesbrough FC. The charity is helping to build stronger communities across the North East, boosting children’s confidence and creating new connections for families.

To support its work, the Foundation organises sponsored walks, boot-cleaning days, fundraising auctions, and collaborations with local clubs and businesses.

For more information, to donate kit, volunteer, or receive updates, visit theharveymcwilliamsfoundation.org.uk or follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.