We recently heard from OE Piers Wolfe (2000-10), who told us all about his involvement with developing Sands United Football Club Worcester, which was set up last summer.

Every day, 13 families are faced with the loss of their baby, and Sands is a charity which exists to reduce the number of baby and pregnancy deaths, and pivotally to support anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth. 

Sands United is focussed on creating football teams around the country where bereaved men who have lost a child can come together through a shared love of sport, find a support network, and feel at ease talking about their grief when they are ready to do so. 

The first Sands United team was established in 2018 after Charlotte and Rob Allen lost their daughter in 2017 at 39 weeks and 3 days old. Vowing to do all they could to ensure their daughter’s legacy lived on, Rob organised a football match at Northampton Town FC in aid of Sands who had been a great support to them. There are now over 30 teams across the country. In 2022, Sands was one of the charities included in the Britain 1 Million Minutes campaign culminating in presenter Ben Shephard playing a special match against Sands United in London. 

In 2020 prince William met Sands United teams as a part of a documentary where he spoke with players and fans across all levels of football to discuss mental health, including an interview with Rob.

Speaking of his involvement and the importance of the Worcester Sands United team, Piers tells us, “In June 2018, we lost our little boy, Theodore, at 38 weeks. It was the worst time for me and my family. I felt incredibly isolated and struggled to find men to speak with who had experienced a similar loss. As a team at Sands United, around ten of us meet weekly, all bonded by the grief of losing a child during pregnancy or shortly after. It helps me enormously to know that I can meet and forge friendships with others, enjoy playing sport, and discuss my experiences in what feels a totally safe and understood environment. It is also rewarding to know the impact it has for others in the team too and the support we offer each other in the hardest of times and at different stages of our journeys. The Sands United experience has made such a huge difference for us all.”

A huge thank you to Piers for sharing with us this amazing project and we look forward to hearing how the team continues to support men across the county over the coming months and years.

If you would like any more information about Sands United FC Worcester, please do look online or alternatively email foundation@rgsw.org.uk and we will direct any questions to Piers.