The partnership will officially be launched to a bumper Orbital Fasteners Stadium crowd on Tuesday 2nd August as Kings round off their pre-season preparation against a Watford XI.

Druglink is a substance misuse charity based just down the road from the club in Red Lion Lane. Their objective is to change the future for people who are, or could be, affected by substance misuse. They achieve this through Addiction Treatment, Housing Solutions, Education and Training.

They educate people on substances and their effects in order to drive prevention and stop issues relating to substance misuse happening in the future.

For those already affected by substance misuse, Druglink provide a recovery and housing service which supports clients (and their family and friends) on their journey. Once in recovery they help people develop skills and confidence to enable them to find work experience and follow the path of reintegration back to a community. They also offer affordable counselling for adults in Hertfordshire.

Emma Kingham, Communications Officer for Druglink, who has been working with the club to deliver this partnership said; “We know that there has been an increase in the use of alcohol and other drugs in the community and across England as a whole. Particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen more people struggling with their mental health and turning to substances. It’s vital that Druglink can continue to be there for anyone needing help and to educate people on the side effects of use. We are so delighted that Kings Langley Football Club have chosen Druglink as their first charity partnership of this kind. Their support will help us reach and educate young people in the community to give them the understanding to make sensible decisions. We are looking forward to working alongside coaches and parents to deliver knowledge around spotting the signs and the substances to be aware of.”

The partnership, the first of its kind for the club, will see Druglink design and deliver a special educational programme focusing on the risks of recreational drug use to the hundreds of young footballers who currently represent the club, something which Director of Football Darren Eliot is incredibly proud of;

‘Many people see us simply as a football club but we are so much more, especially when it comes to our youth teams. Young footballers learn so many life skills through playing football and we hope the education programme will go a long way to ensuring our young people have all of the knowledge they need to safely navigate issues like this.’

For the next two seasons all home shirts worn by Kings Langley players will carry the Druglink logo and fundraising activities will take place throughout the upcoming season, starting with collection buckets ahead of the Watford friendly.

Head of Community Dean Wigzell had this to say;

‘Football clubs often ignore the responsibilities they have within their wider community but I am delighted that this one doesn’t. This is a partnership we can really be proud of and I truly hope that it will go a long way in not just supporting the great work of Druglink but also educating everyone at the club and helping to remove the stigma so often attached to those in recovery.’