Reading Football Club Former Players’ Association (RFCFPA) is delighted to confirm that Thatcham-based Swings & Smiles will be their official charity partner this year.

The RFCFPA will be raising money to support the charity with their matchday activities at the Select Car Leasing stadium where they offer supporters a dedicated space designed specifically to cater for children and young adults with autism and other special needs.

Swings & Smiles was set up in 2007 and is committed to improving the quality of life for disabled children and their families. Since partnering with the Royals in 2023, the organisation has created a provision for a therapeutic area at the Select Car Leasing Stadium which allows supporters with specific needs to join the Royal family on a matchday in RG2.

Reading Former Players’ Association Chairman George Friel said:

“Our popular question and answer events raise thousands of pounds for our nominated charity of the year, and we’re delighted that over the coming year we can support Swings & Smiles with the vital work they are doing at Reading Football Club”

To begin the partnership RFCFPA will be donating £3000 with funds partly raised from a question-and-answer event with Ruben Selles held at the end of last year

Swings and Smiles CEO Rhonda Nicklin said:

“The support of the Reading Former Players’ Association enables the sensory space that Swings & Smiles bring to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, to be developed with new equipment to meet a wider age range and diverse need. The funding pays for specialist staff from Swings & Smiles to give families the support that they need to relax and enjoy the game, knowing that they have skilled people to diffuse, divert and play as needed.

“Greenham Common Trust have committed to match fund up to £3,000 of any money raised to support the sensory room at RFC. Making your donation even more effective in what can be achieved.”

Anyone wishing to book a place in the sensory space on a matchday should contact the charity directly by emailing Becky@swingsandsmiles.co.uk

The RFCFPA exists to recognise the club’s proud history and celebrate former Royals.

The association runs regular charity events across the year.