The New Saints’ commitment to making a positive difference in the local community is continuing to grow, with the club’s #StayOnSide initiative now looking to recruit volunteers for a new litter-picking team.

 

TNS Men’s Futsal Manager Andrew Ruscoe has spent the last five days litter picking around Oswestry and the route towards Park Hall, collecting two large bags of rubbish along the way.

 

And amongst the usual sweet packets, cans and bottles, Andrew has discovered some rather more unusual items,  including dirty nappies, alcohol bottles, false teeth and even a water gun.

 

The litter-picking initiative was launched around two months ago with the aim of creating greater visibility for #StayOnSide across the region while encouraging local people to take pride in the communities around them.

 

Since beginning, the TNS Litter Pickers have collected more than 25 bags of litter from areas including Oswestry, Gobowen, St Martins, Weston Rhyn and Ellesmere.

 

However, the project currently has just two members and is now looking for more volunteers to help create a much wider impact.

 

New members of the TNS #StayOnSide Litter Picking Team will receive their own litter picker and TNS high-visibility vest, allowing them to head out independently at a time that suits them, while also creating opportunities for organised community litter-picking days.

 

The idea is simple: cleaner streets, stronger communities and people taking pride in the places they call home.

 

Research into environmental volunteering has highlighted benefits that extend beyond simply removing waste, with studies linking environmental volunteering to social inclusion, community connection and wider wellbeing.

 

Andrew Ruscoe said:

 

“Litter picking might seem like a small thing, but when lots of people do small things, the impact can become huge. We want #StayOnSide to be about more than just football, it’s about creating positive change in the communities around us.”

 

“At the moment we have a very small team, but we’ve already collected more than 25 bags across the region. Imagine what we could achieve if we had 10, 20 or even 50 people getting involved.”

 

“You never know what you’re going to find either! In the last few days I’ve picked up everything from nappies and bottles to false teeth and a water gun. It certainly keeps things interesting!”

 

The project also reflects the wider principle that litter picking can create a visible sense of ownership and pride in local places, while bringing people together around a shared purpose.

 

Want to join the team?

 

The TNS #StayOnSide Litter Picking Team is now looking for new volunteers from across the region.

 

Whether you want to pick litter independently on your own walks or become involved in organised community clean-ups, everyone is welcome.

 

If you would like to become part of the team and help make a difference across the region, contact Andrew Ruscoe at:

 

 

One club. One community. One cleaner region. #StayOnSide