The Albion Foundation

BACK in 1997 Roberto Di Matteo took just 43 seconds to score the then quickest goal of any FA Cup Final.

Concetta Di Matteo was sat in the crowd that day but unaware that the cheering and euphoria around her had come courtersy of her brother's long-range shot.

She had been blind since the age of 18 after six years of sight deterioration due to a rare eye disease. Roberto later dedicated that goal to his sister.

Twelve years on and the empassioned devotion to charity remains within Albion's head coach.

It is why his backing to the launch of the Albion Foundation - the rebranded community programme - fitted as naturally into his managerial portfolio as team selection and coaching drills.

Di Matteo claims community links are imperative to football clubs and insists on all players doing their bit.

Today's launch included soccer skills and DJ sets by young people who attend the Foundation's Kickz project - a local authority/West Midlands Police partnership involving local youngsters - with dance troupe Fusion also performing.

The Foundation has seen the growth of the womens' football teams, basketball sides and affiliated disabled clubs, all of which carry the Albion Sports Club brand.

Today's launch included talks from coaches and members involved in the scheme, with Di Matteo, Luke Moore and Jonas Olsson also attending, as well as former secretary Dr John Evans, now the Foundation's trustee.

It was inspiring stuff from all concerned.

A week or so ago I suggested that Albion had, over recent years, neglected certain issues or made poor judgements which had lacked thought, sympathy or understanding of what supporters (of all ages) want, need or should come to expect from their football club.

There is still room for a lot of improvement on many fronts but the Albion Foundation is one initiative the club certainly deserve a lot of credit for.

And with Roberto Di Matteo's backing it can only prosper.