Margate hopes success of project tackling homelessness can attract royal attention as general manager Deny Wilson discusses benefits of it

Margate are hoping the success of their project tackling homelessness can attract royal attention.

The Isthmian South East outfit are among the latest recipients of funding from the Trident Community Foundation, which offers grants of between £1,000 to 5,000 for clubs at Steps 3 and 4 of the non-league pyramid to start or grow community projects.

The grant will help them continue the initiative, which has enhanced the lives of the homeless in the Thanet area for the last three years by providing a safe space and important services such as hairdressers and dentists.

Margate's general manager Deny Wilson said: “Anything we can do to raise the standards or the living conditions of anybody in our community has a long-term benefit to both them and us. It’s a very reciprocal relationship.

“We’ve been able to break down barriers that the council couldn’t because there are no barriers to coming to the football club.

“People would join the club at six or seven years old and stay until they’re in their 20s. It becomes a part of their life.

“Their friend groups often revolve around the football clubs and teams they play for.”

Since its launch in December 2020, the TCF has awarded more than £700,000 to support almost 200 initiatives across the country.

The grant will help Gate move further towards the £50,000 required to keep the project running for another year.

Attention from BBC cameras and the Deputy Chief Public Health Nurse helped to keep the money ticking over, on top of the generous donations of local people, but Wilson has a plan to top up the coffers.

He said: “We're lucky that it has been successful. People are giving us money to keep it going.

“Patron of the Football Association, Prince William, has a particular