Football clubs are usually judged by results, trophies and attendances, but should their contribution to the communities around them matter just as much? The New Saints FC appear to be placing an increasing emphasis on community involvement alongside their work on the pitch. Through the #StayOnSide TNS Litter Picking group, volunteers have been helping to clean streets and public areas across Oswestry and the surrounding communities. The initiative is relatively simple, but it places the club directly alongside local residents and demonstrates that community engagement does not always need major funding or complicated projects. The club has now also introduced the Oswestry and District Mike Harris Award, which will recognise a deserving member of the local community each month. The first recipient was Gobowen’s Beccy Russell, who was recognised for supporting residents, helping people experiencing difficult circumstances and creating a welcoming community hub through her local shop. Beccy received a certificate, gifts from local businesses and complimentary tickets to watch TNS face FC Flora Tallinn in European competition. These initiatives raise an interesting question about the future relationship between football clubs and their communities. Supporters are often encouraged to give their time, money and loyalty to their clubs. Should clubs therefore be expected to give something meaningful back? There will naturally be some scepticism whenever a football club promotes its own community work. The real test will be whether these projects remain consistent, transparent and focused on the people they are intended to support, rather than becoming short-term publicity exercises. However, if initiatives such as litter-picking groups, community awards and direct support for local residents continue throughout the season, they could help strengthen the relationship between TNS and the communities surrounding Park Hall. Could this be a model that more clubs should follow? Should football clubs become more active social organisations within their towns and villages, or should their main responsibility remain what happens on the pitch? Could meaningful community work ultimately help clubs attract new supporters who may previously have felt little connection to them?