Saturday is our first ever Jimmy Hill Day, where we celebrate the life and achievements of our legendary former Manager and Chairman.
We will also be raising money for the Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund, which is named in his honour.
What is the Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund?
The Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund was originally set up in 2016 as a fundraising initiative to enable us to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for those who need it most, in memory of the late Jimmy Hill OBE, who passed away on 19th December 2015.
Jimmy Hill played a huge role during his time with Coventry City, a period which saw him take position of Manager, Managing Director and Chairman of the club – driving the ‘Sky Blue Revolution’ in the 1960’s.
Jimmy Hill’s success had a massive impact on the city of Coventry and the Legacy Fund provides a fitting tribute in his memory, supporting a number of causes that were close to his heart.
JHLF Committee members include:
Joe Elliott
Alan Shaw
David Busst
Dave Long
Terry Angus
Mark Hornby
Who Have the JHLF Helped So Far?
The Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund opened grant applications in January 2018 with a maximum submission of £1000. The aims of the grant process were to increase opportunities to take part in sport, health and physical activity, improve community relations, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and improve educational attainment.
Applications that were approved included:
- Coventry Sphinx Junior Football Club U14’s received £500 to give them the opportunity to buy new playing kits for 16 players. The club actually managed to fundraise and add to this amount to enable them to purchase both a home and away kit – using The Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund as a front of shirt sponsor for both!
- Bulkington Sports and Social Cricket Club received £500 to enable them to train a volunteer to become a qualified coach and also gave them to funds to send coaches into schools to raise awareness of the club. The funding helped the club to retain numbers and increase physical activity participation across the community.
- Friends of Castlewood School received £1000 to update the playground equipment at the school. Being a Special Educational Needs school, many of the children do not have the imagination, social skills or communication to enable them to play games in the same way as mainstream children. They fitted a new trampoline which is built into the floor, meaning it is accessible to most. They also fitted additional music related equipment which entertains the children during break and lunchtime.
- The Family Zone received £1000 to allow them to update their facilities. Jimmy Hill was a big believer in engaging the younger generation and increasing the participation levels on home games. The Family Zone do a fantastic job of entertaining and appealing to Sky Blue fans from a young age. They used the money to purchase new TV’s and PlayStation equipment. They can now cater for more families and attract a higher number each week!
How Can I Donate and Get Involved?
If you would like to make a one-off donation or run a personal fundraising event – Please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/jhlegacyfund to donate or become a fundraiser!
We are fortunate enough to have some Coventry Half Marathon spaces left for people to represent the Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund – if you would like to take on the challenge in aid of this cause please do get in touch. You will receive a FREE t-shirt and training support. All we ask in return is you pledge to raise £100 in donations.
For more information please contact: rachel.edwards@ccfc.co.uk