US OSC branches support local communities over festive period | OneFootball

Ahead of a busy festive period, we wanted to champion our US Official Supporters Club branches, many of whom are already supporting their local communities for Thanksgiving.

Whilst many of our Stateside branches support local charities at this time of year, we spoke with our New York City and Minneapolis branches who told us about the work they and their members are doing.

Chris, Chair of our Minneapolis branch, amazed us with the community work that the OSC are doing this Christmas.

"During the Liverpool game, we will hold our annual coat drive for the homeless," said Chris.

"Branch members will be encouraged to donate new or gently worn winter coats of warm weather gear that we can donate to a local outreach program which delivers these items directly to people in need in our community.

"Each branch member who participates will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes that I've purchased from the City store.

"For the Manchester Derby, we will hold our annual Toys for Tots toy drive. Branch members will be encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy and participants will receive a raffle ticket to win a player signed shirt, as well as a few items that I've purchased from the City store.

"I also wear a City blue Santa suit and provide blue and white candy canes and City stickers for the kids!

"We really look forward to this part of the season and making the holidays a bit brighter for those in need.

"Thanks again for the support and helping to make our fundraising events a success. We share our pub with several other rival supporters clubs and they are always amazed by the incredible support we get from the club, so thank you!"

On the East Coast, Spencer who is part of our New York City branch also shared the incredible work he and the branch do.

"Since 2019, the New York branch has been an officially recognised non-profit organisation," began Spencer.

"Just a few weeks ago, we gave away checks totalling $26,000 to two incredible causes that fight food insecurity in the New York City/Tri-State Area. So far this season, we have raised close to $13,000!

"We raise this money primarily through our half-time 50/50 raffle, in which half the post goes to the winner, and half goes to charity.

"We also raise money through donations, membership fees, fundraising events, and merchandise sales with all proceeds going straight to our charitable efforts."

Everyone at City is thankful to these two branches and the hundred around the world who raise money for local communities and CITC over the festive period and beyond.

To find out more about your local Official Supporters Club, click here.