MK Dons Community Trust launches public survey to help shape strategic delivery

The official charity of MK Dons FC is calling on residents living in the city and its surrounds to voice how they believe its work can positively impact communities in the next three years.

MK Dons Community Trust is shaping its strategy, aims and objectives between now and 2029, weeks after the charity’s rebrand and the appointment of a new Chairman and CEO.

The Trust’s team works with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities by helping them to become the best version of themselves through football and sport-based programmes, education, experiences and community engagement which help tackle key societal issues.

Since its rebrand, the Trust has already engaged more than two thousand young people with its community and school-based programmes, which include Premier League Kicks, Premier League Primary Stars and the EFL’s Joy of Moving scheme.

A weekly adult physical activity session for those living with neurological conditions has also been launched, while its inclusion squads celebrated 25 years of making football open to all in Milton Keynes.

Paul Mitchell, CEO at MK Dons Community Trust, said: “Football has the ability to positively impact the lives of every person living in Milton Keynes, even those who aren’t engaged with the professional game.

“We see this everyday through our community programmes which support people to become the best version of themselves.

“Now, we want to hear from our own community to make sure our work is targeted to areas where the city requires additional support. It’s also a chance for stakeholders and participants to shape the activities we deliver and how they look.

“Ultimately, we are here to help those that need it most by using the club badge as a lever for positive change. That could cover any one of our delivery pillars from education to inclusion, youth engagement or supporting the elderly.

“This is an opportunity for the whole of Milton Keynes to say they have contributed to the work we do, and we look forward to reading residents’ submissions.”

Two people to benefit from the work of MK Dons Community Trust in recent months are city residents Peter and Josie Randall.

Peter was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, meaning his wife Josie has been his full-time carer since. Since his diagnosis, Josie said her husband has been far more reluctant to leave the house which has been a challenge for both of them.

After the Trust partnered with Milton Keynes Council’s Admiral Nurses in September to launch weekly physical activity sessions for adults living with neurological conditions, the couple have become regulars and established a new purpose in life.

“I love my husband, and I know these sessions make a huge difference to him,” said Josie.

“The work of MK Dons Community Trust has helped Peter to move forwards and go back to being himself.

“The whole group works together and it’s amazing to see the outcomes of the physical and mental activities which are organised. I’ve seen first hand the impact the Trust’s work has on its participants and encourage everyone to engage with its survey so we can create meaningful, lasting, change in the city.”

If you would like to contribute to MK Dons Community Trust’s survey, you can do so via MK Dons Community Trust.

All submissions will be considered when the charity meets to structure its three-year strategy. Answers can be as brief or comprehensive as a person wishes.