How City of York Council join York City to raise awareness of Fostering and Help Find Homes for Local Children

Sometimes, the biggest moments don’t happen on the pitch. Think about it, a football match is more than just a game; it’s about community, passion, and people coming together. And this weekend, something really special is happening alongside the usual Saturday football buzz in York. The City of York Council is teaming up with York City Football Club for a very important reason: to raise awareness about fostering and find more loving homes for local children. It’s a partnership that shows how sport can be a real force for good, bringing the community together to support young people who need it most.

A match with a mission

If you’re heading to the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday 7 February for the York City V Forest Green Rovers match, you’ll notice some extra faces there to chat. The City of York Council’s dedicated fostering team will be set up before and after kick-off, ready to have a friendly, informal natter with fans. They’re not there to talk tactics or debate offside rules. Instead, they’re there to share information about fostering. This event is a brilliant way to connect with people directly, using the power of football to start conversations that could genuinely change a child’s life. The council wants to raise awareness and let everyone know about the ongoing need for foster carers in the local area. For anyone even a little bit curious about what fostering involves, this is a perfect, no-pressure opportunity to ask questions. The team of advisors will be on hand to discuss everything from the application process to the day-to-day realities of caring for children and young people.

More than just a game

So, why the big focus on fostering right now? Well, right across the city of York, there is a growing need for more foster carers. There are children and young people who, for all sorts of reasons, can’t live with their birth families. What they need are safe, stable, and nurturing homes where they can feel secure and supported. This is what fostering provides. It’s not just about giving a child a bed for the night; it’s about giving them a chance to thrive. This initiative at the football match is a key part of the council’s ongoing campaign to recruit more people from the community. It’s a campaign built on the idea that everyone has the potential to help. Football fans are known for their big hearts and loyalty, and the council is hoping to tap into that community spirit to help local children. This single event is a snapshot of a much larger, ongoing effort to build a strong network of support for those who need it most.

Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

“Football brings people from all walks of life together and we’re excited to use this opportunity to let people know we’re always looking for foster carers to provide safe, loving homes for local children and young people.”

“Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, and I can assure people thinking about it that there is a role for everyone. Our great team of advisors will be on hand to chat with anyone who thinks they can provide a safe and loving home. There are lots of different options available and our friendly, specialist team will help guide you through the application process and beyond.”

What does it take to be a foster carer?

One of the biggest myths about fostering is that you have to be a certain "type" of person. But that’s just not true. The reality is, children in need of care are all different, so the council needs foster carers from all different backgrounds to match them with. The main thing is having the kindness, patience, and a spare room to offer a young person a safe space. A lot of people rule themselves out before they even look into it, but the criteria might be more open than you think.

• Relationship Status: Foster carers can be single, married, in a civil partnership, or in a long-term relationship.

• Living Situation: It doesn't matter if you own your home or rent it. The important thing is having a stable home with a spare bedroom for a child.

• Work Life: Many foster carers work full-time or part-time. There are different types of fostering to fit around different lifestyles.

• Background: Your ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation are not barriers. A diverse range of foster carers is needed to reflect the diversity of the children in care.

The fostering team provides extensive training and support, so no one is expected to have all the answers from day one. The friendly advisors are there to help with the application process and to provide ongoing support once a child is placed. The whole system is designed to build a strong support team around both the child and the foster carer.

How to find out more information

The upcoming football match on 7 February is the perfect chance to learn more. The fostering team will be available for a chat before and after the game, providing a relaxed setting to get information. This awareness event is also happening just ahead of Care Day on 20 February 2026, which is the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with experience in care. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of providing nurturing homes and a strong community for every child. If you can’t make it to the match, don’t worry. Anyone interested in learning more about fostering in York can get in touch with the team directly. This ongoing campaign needs people from the local community to step forward and make a difference. Whether it’s providing short-term care or a long-term home, becoming a foster carer is one of the most impactful things a person can do for children in their city. The need is real, and the council's team is ready to help anyone who thinks they might be able to help.