About

The Diamond Foundation is a brand new initiative to enhance the lives of people who are involved in the Health and Social Care setting, in a mixed ability environment utilising community based events which aim to integrate the participants within the local community. We are currently organizing our first event, a 6-a-side football competition for people who are involved in the social care system, which will be held at St Georges Park for what will be an enriching experience for all that are involved.

The Diamond Foundation was founded by Jonathan Ralphs (Team Leader) and Josh Butler (Support Worker) who work together at Eden Futures. Whilst working together, Jonathan and Josh started a 6-a-side football team called the Doxey Diamonds which entered the mainstream PowerPlay league in Stafford. The team was made up of Eden Futures staff, service users and members of the public. The Doxey Diamonds entered the Stafford PowerPlay league and initially struggled during their first season, but managed to pull together to go on an impressive 3 game winning streak. At the end of the season the team held a presentation evening where participation medals were handed out, as well as individual awards. Jonathan, Josh and the Doxey Diamonds were recently recognised as winners of the National Learning Disability Awards 2017 - Sporting Chance Award at the ICC in Birmingham. Here's what the judges had to say about why they award the Doxey Diamonds the award:

"The team from Eden Fututres had a dream, to bring mainstream football to those that they support. It seems simple - it was not - but not only did they do it, they ended up as 3rd in the local league - this meant momentous changes for the people that use their services, even more for the player that scored the "hat trick" and the other who believes everyone shines like a diamond in different ways" - how true - very worthy winners!" - The National Learning Disability Awards Judges

Jonathan and Josh are committed to their passion for enabling the people they support to realise their full potential and to develop the life skills they need to integrate with the community successfully. They believe in creating environments where people can develop and take ownership in their own life, and competitve sports is a prime example as their is a real team spirit and the players can really improve their skills and fitness.

Once people start achieving and gaining skills and confidence in one area of their life, this can be a positive catalyst in other areas of their life and can really help in their recovery. The Diamond Foundation is about opening doors for people and giving them a place where they can compete in a supportive and progressive environment. The Diamond Foundation's opening event will be its 6-a-side Diamond Foundation Football Tournament for people that live with mental health issues and mild learning disabilities, held at St. Georges Park , Burton-upon-Trent in September 2017. Please Click Here for more information.