Alison Hume MP invites Scarborough Athletic’s Community Foundation to Downing Street St George’s Day event

Designed to shine a spotlight on local excellence and celebrate the country’s community spirit, Ms Hume nominated Mr Machen to join her at the event after being impressed by the impact of the programme he oversees.

Wholly fan-owned, run by supporters for supporters, as well as excelling on the pitch, SAFC have proven themselves to be trailblazers off it too – organising a range of activities to tackle loneliness, boost inclusion and promote physical and mental well-being.

Mr Machen manages the club’s work across the town, which has continued unabated despite being forced to temporarily relocate to Bridlington for the entirety of the 2025/26 National League North campaign when faults were discovered with the playing surface at their home ground.

Ms Hume, who two years ago became the first woman elected to represent Scarborough and Whitby in Parliament, said: “Scarborough Athletic’s Community Foundation shows the very best of what can be achieved when a community pulls together.

“It’s inclusive, is overseen by a club which is the very essence of what football should be about and touches so many people.

“Steve and his team continue to demonstrate that, when members of a community come together with a shared purpose, wonderful things can happen.

“That’s the very essence of what makes our country great and so what better way to celebrate Scarborough Athletic’s work than to make sure they were represented at a St George’s Day reception.”

Ms Hume has worked hard behind the scenes, pressing Scarborough Athletic’s case with senior figures from the worlds of both politics and sport, over the past 12 months to help mitigate the effects of their enforced switch to East Yorkshire.

With work now underway to repair the Scarborough Sports Village’s drainage system and pitch, Jono Greening’s squad are scheduled to kick-off the new season at their home stadium.

Ms Hume added: “It was also an opportunity to say thank you to everyone involved – the volunteers, supporters and participants who make the programme such a force for good.

“Programmes like this don’t just strengthen our town, they remind us what’s possible when we work together.”

Mr Machen said: “I was immensely proud of representing our club and our Community Foundation.

“Sir Keir Starmer highlighted in his keynote speech the fantastic work that is being done in communities across the country and this is certainly true of our club and Foundation, not least our shared value of inclusion.”

Mr Machen added: “I would like to thank our Member of Parliament Alison Hume.

“Alison has been a staunch supporter both at home and in London, highlighting the challenges that we have faced over the last season.

“Her invitation to such a prestigious event and allowing me to showcase our club and our town is something that will live long in my memory.”