“United by Grief”

The first Sands United FC grew from grief after Charlotte and Rob Allen’s baby daughter Niamh died on 9 October 2017 at 39 weeks and 3 days. The couple vowed to do all they could to honour their daughter’s memory and ensure her legacy lived forever on, and Rob’s love of football led to him organising a football match at Northampton Town FC in aid of Sands on 23 May 2018.After the success of the match, the bereaved dads, uncles and brothers decided to form Sands United FC, in Northampton’s Nene Valley League. 

Since forming, Sands United FC has been regularly featured in the media and was firmly in the spotlight on 5 December 2018 when they were honored with a Pride of Sport Award for Best Sports Team. More teams are being established across the UK, helping more bereaved families channel their grief, raise vital funds for the charity, and help break the silence around baby loss. Sands United FC can only continue to exist through the generosity of our supporters, if you'd like to make a donation please see the sponsorship page.