Most of you will be aware of the Family Zone but you may not know about the person who developed the Family Zone.
Pat Raybould was taken to Highfield Road for the first time by her father in 1958. Her love of the club was nurtured through the Jimmy Hill era in the pop and crisps days of the Sky Blue Express.
Working in primary education, Pat saw the need to give children a match-day experience, something more than just the game. Out of this, with the help of other volunteers, she developed the Family Zone to provide pre-match activities, games and competitions as well as the opportunity to meet Sky Blue Sam and the players. Most of the activities are free and supported by the club staff. The SCG, amongst others, helps fund the Family Zone.
The main fundraising is from the Junior Sky Blues Christmas tombola and the end-of-season raffle when the club and players donate generous prizes. There are now nearly a thousand JSB members. Pat’s aim is “to make sure that our future fans have a fantastic day out”. A large colourful tapestry of contributions from both players and youngsters can be seen taking shape in the Family Zone.
In 2002, Pat was the Coventry Evening Telegraph’s Fan of the Year and then, in 2013, Npower Football League Fan of the Year for League One. Pat and her team were nominated for a Community Award at last week’s Coventry Sports Awards.
contact@ccfcscg.co.uk