Caridon Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded £14,180 in funding from Sport England, thanks to The National Lottery, to support the continuation and expansion of its Caridon Eagles football and gym programme, an initiative promoting mental and physical wellbeing among men in supported accommodation.
The Caridon Eagles, an adult mental health football team based in Croydon, was set up by Caridon Foundation in partnership with Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C. For several years, the team has participated in weekly coaching sessions and is an opportunity for tenants to engage in sport, build relationships, and find renewed confidence through physical activity.
The funding will allow the programme to continue delivering weekly football training and twice-weekly gym access over the next year. It will also support the purchase of new sports equipment and branded team tops. Coaching is delivered by Crystal Palace coaches, ensuring sessions are professional, structured and most importantly, enjoyable for the participants.
“The Caridon Eagles are more than just a football team, they are a lifeline for many of our tenants,” said Sherrelle Collman, Managing Director of Caridon Foundation. “They represent everything we strive for: inclusion, support, and wellbeing. This funding from Sport England and The National Lottery means we can continue using sport to bring our tenants together, build confidence, and improve both mental and physical health.”
Caridon Foundation, part of Caridon Group, is a not-for-profit organisation that provides housing-related support to tenants facing multiple social disadvantages, including mental health challenges, financial hardship, and the risk of homelessness. Its work includes tenancy sustainment, eviction prevention, and support services that help individuals gain independence and transition into long-term housing.
Understanding the significant link between physical health and mental wellbeing, Caridon Foundation established the Eagles as a means of creating community, promoting active living, and building resilience. Matches and training sessions offer far more than athletic development, they are a platform for tenants to connect, establish routine, andsupport mental health recovery in a safe and friendly environment.
One member of Caridon Foundation Eagles recently said “Caridon Foundation has given me so much amazing support. Every week they provide food, drink, a listening ear and emotional support but more than that, being part of the Eagles has helped me break out of the constant feeling of loneliness and isolation. It has given me a sense of purpose and belonging, and for the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful about the future.”
Throughout the year, Caridon Foundation will continue promoting the Eagles initiative through its networks and social platforms. Planned activities include a staff vs. tenants match, as well as other community events designed to celebrate participation and reinforce the positive impact of sport in supported housing.