Enfield Town may not have had a game last Saturday but a very special guest gave up his time to join our popular football school sessions on the nearby 3G training pitch.

Sky Sports presenter Michael Bridge, born and educated in Enfield, has just been appointed the first ever patron of our charity arm and spent the morning integrating with our various teams – youth, disability, walking football etc – and presenting them with end-of-term medals.

Michael’s role will be to support the club’s registered charity work in the community.

“When the club approached me, it took me less than a second to say yes,” said Michael (pictured, centre, with walking football players) whose involvement with the club has already included promoting the new stand and being MC at the Steve Perryman/Alf d’Arcy evening at Butler’s Bar  back in April.

“It’s an incredible honour to be patron of the club’s charity projects. I’m very privileged to be able to travel to many places but Enfield is my home and where my heart is. Non-league football is the heart of the game and to be part of this community is a no-brainer. It’s been a real eye-opener to meet so many players of all ages and ability with smiles on their faces. That’s what non-league football is all about and I’ll do what ever I can to support this wonderful cause and this wonderful club.”

“I used to follow the old club and to come back as Enfield Town has after being ripped apart and now to be playing in National League South is pretty unbelievable. I really hope they stay up in what is an incredible tough league.”

Town vice-chairman Paul Millington commented: “Michael has followed us since were formed and we’re delighted he has agreed to become the patron of our charitable ventures. As part of that, we’re hoping he can get involved in various fund-raisers such as a Q and A session at the Dave Bryant, all the money going towards our community activities.”

AW