Community Visitors Welcomed to Brisbane Road As Orient Edge Addicks On Boxing Day

Leyton Orient 1-0 Charlton Athletic
Emdad Rahman

In a generous show of community spirit Leyton Orient threw open the doors and stands to welcome fans who may not always be able to enjoy a game of football.

The Boxing Dagger fixture against Charlton Athletic saw The O’s host a number of homeless people and volunteers from the Docklands Community Initiative Foodbank.

The guests were welcomed to the community hub with open arms with food, refreshments, hats and scarves provided as part of a special match day experience.Some guests took part as flag bearers and formed the guard of honour to welcome both sets of players onto the pitch. Younger guests took part in a half time penalty shootout.

An entertaining game saw Orient edge it 1-0 at Brisbane Roa. Dan Agyei did brilliantly to get to the byline and cut back to Omar Beckles, who swept home from 10 yards in the 80th minute.

Leyton Orient Club & Community Liaison Officer Robbie Minchin said, “The Boxing Day fixture is a great tradition and as a community club we are very pleased to have hosted our guests here today.

“As an inclusive and welcoming club our community engagement is always paramount in reaching out to all members of our community.”

Anwar Uddjn, Diversity & Inclusion manager at the Football Association added, “Football is for all and a vehicle for unity and prosperity within our diverse communities.

“Homelessness can affect anybody at any time and we understand the positive impact football has in offering escape from issues which affect people and their wellbeing. It’s great to see everyone had a smashing time.”