Supporters Trust
Supporters Trust Bursary
Awarded to Academy Players
21 May 2024
GCST is proud to announce the first recipients of the Supporters Trust Bursary, a new annual award given to a girl and boy from the club’s academy who have shown outstanding characteristics of perseverance, leadership or teamwork, on or off the pitch.
We are delighted to have presented this year’s award to Amelia Rankin from the girls U15s and Richie Smith from the boys U10s.
Richie is nicknamed ‘The Rock’ by the parents of his teammates and has led by example on the pitch and during training, showing an outstanding attitude throughout the season which has earned him the respect of his peers and coaches. After Richie’s Mum passed away suddenly before Christmas he insisted to his Nan and Uncle that he was to still come to training and he played in a match the same week, winning player of the match in a performance which he dedicated to his Mum.
For the last 18 months Amelia has been living with anorexia, an eating disorder and a serious mental health condition, which is dangerous and life threatening.
Amelia's mum Katie said:
“During Amelia’s treatment, she has been through some terrible levels of mental despair and unhappiness, as well as the challenges associated with her physical changes, particularly the loss of strength and stamina. This condition took so much from Amelia, but football was one of the very few things that motivated her, and in many ways was the only thing that kept her going through some very dark times during her recovery.”
“During Amelia’s treatment, she has been through some terrible levels of mental despair and unhappiness, as well as the challenges associated with her physical changes, particularly the loss of strength and stamina. This condition took so much from Amelia, but football was one of the very few things that motivated her, and in many ways was the only thing that kept her going through some very dark times during her recovery.”
“We as a family are so grateful for the support and friendship of her coaches, team mates and parents at Gloucester City. The football club has been truly amazing in doing everything possible to support Amelia’s recovery. Amelia has chosen to be open about her condition so she can encourage others that are struggling or needing support to talk and reach out for help. The football club helped Amelia in ways that is very difficult to put into words and we are truly grateful.” are delighted to have presented this year’s award to Richie from the boys U10s and Amelia from the girls U15s.
Both players have faced challenges which they have tackled with great bravery and determination, congratulations to both!