Morecambe Football Club will formally announce the signing the Armed Forces Covenant before our FA Cup tie against Newport County this weekend.
We recognise the enormous value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our community and the country as a whole.
By signing the covenant, we are committing to supporting the Armed Forces and associated charities generally and hosting at least one Armed Forces Recruitment Event per season at the Mazuma Stadium on a matchday.
The first of which will take place when we host Fleetwood Town on Saturday 18 December.
This announcement coincides with the Club marking Remembrance Day with the laying of wreaths from both the club and the Shrimps Trust on the pitch before kick-off at Saturday's game.
A timely reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.
Representing the Armed Forces, both at Saturday’s game and going forwards, will be lifelong Shrimps fan and soldier of 30 years, Colour Sergeant Jason Townson.
Jason began his military career with the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment, which was amalgamated with the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment and the King’s Regiment to form the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2006.
He is currently the Armed Forces’ Recruitment, Engagement, Support and Mentoring Officer for Morecambe, Lancaster, Blackburn, Blackpool and Preston, making him ideally placed to drive this initiative.
The football club will be represented on Saturday by director James Wakefield, formerly a soldier with the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment himself. James said: “We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and make this ongoing and public commitment.
"Morecambe Football Club has an important role to play in the local community and broader North Lancashire area. We are looking forward to working with Jason and others to ensure that the Club does all it can to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.”
Colour Sergeant Jason Townson said:“As both a fan and a serving soldier, it is a real privilege to be involved as the club makes this commitment. It is a big step in the right direction and one that I’m personally honoured to be able to play a part in”.
Further information on the upcoming Armed Forces recruitment event in December and other initiatives will follow. Anyone wishing to get involved or support these in any way should contact the Club.