Gillingham Football Club director Shannon Galinson speaks out about the club’s community foundation during EFL’s ‘Week of Action’

Gillingham’s community department is back up and running and director Shannon Galinson has spoken of her pride at seeing its revival.

Mrs Galinson spoke to the club’s media team during the EFL’s ‘Week of Action’ about the importance of having a community foundation - something the American owners were keen to see revived when they took over the club.

Community involvement has been crucial for the Galinsons from the day they took over.

Mrs Galinson said: “To arrive at the club and learn that we were one of just a couple of teams that didn't have a community foundation, we knew that it was imperative.

“We can't claim to be stewards of this club at this time and not be able to fully engage in the community the way we want to.

“I'm absolutely thrilled that we're up and running. I couldn't be prouder actually. It's a big moment.

“We can't claim to want to be part of this Medway and greater Kent community if we're not engaging outside the club in the community. I think it's imperative.

“This is our best way to do that with a dedicated team led by our community director, Mark Abrahams, who's been brilliant getting us over the line in terms of this foundation and then our community manager, Toby Waters, actually executing these programmes outside the building. We couldn't do those things without a foundation.

“I'm a big believer but I like to walk the talk. I don't want to say that we care about the community without being able to go out into it and do some work in it.”

The club’s community department was one of the victims of the cost cutting measures put in place during the Covid pandemic - before the Galinsons took over - along with the women’s football team.

Gillingham Ladies eventually moved to Chatham, now playing as