Watford Football Club’s community sports and education trust has been awarded a grant for a project celebrating 25 years of community outreach.

The project, to be known as “Improving lives, Enhancing Communities: A History of Watford FC’s Community Work”, will take place for a year from July 2017 to July 2018, mirroring the football season.

Thanks to a £55,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the project will see the trust organise a series of events and activities to celebrate its achievements and contribution to Watford.

Robyn Llewelyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Watford Football Club has been a huge part of Watford life and beyond for more than 130 years.

"We’re delighted that we can support this excellent project which, thanks to National Lottery players, will celebrate the club’s outreach contribution and impact it has had on the community which has cheered it on for decades.

"We look forward to seeing the project develop in the coming months.”

A number of activities are already in the planning stages such as, a dedicated book, a museum exhibition and an interactive website of the trust history.

It was during the 1980s that Watford Football Club’s community focus really began driven by manager at the time, Graham Taylor OBE, with the full support of owner Sir Elton John.

It started with the Hornets being the first football club to include a designated family area at Vicarage Road and introduce player appearances amongst the local community. A revolutionary concept that soon saw many other Clubs following suit.

In the early 90s one member of staff was tasked with increasing football participation in the community using Watford FC’s brand.

It is this fixed point that brings about the celebration of the 25th year of Watford FC community outreach later this year.

The trust is now a registered charity and has a history of working across the areas of skills development, employability, sports development, inclusion and health, to make a positive difference for all.

For those looking to get involved in this project either through volunteering or to contribute any good news stories, images or articles, the trust can be reached at heritage@watfordfc.com.