Local MP joins cross-party support for Early Day Motion lauding work of Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest has been named in an Early Day Motion in Parliament congratulating all 72 Football League clubs for their work in the community.

The Early Day Motion (EDM) recognises the power of Football League clubs to improve their local communities, and congratulates them on delivering a wide range of community related projects that have engaged more than 1.5million people in the last 12 months.

Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson has added his support to the EDM saying: "Forget the spiralling salaries, the dodgy takeovers and Premier League debts or insolvency, football has its roots in the communities clubs exist within.

"It is not just about giving local lads dreams to aspire to. The work of football league clubs in their local communities is as much about health, a sense of belonging and a sense of self-worth. I am proud that Nottingham Forest are part of this commitment. If the sport can get back to looking after its roots, the rest of its future will return to good health."

A spokesperson for the club, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised in this way by Parliament. It is a major boost for our community team who work tirelessly seven days a week to improve the lives of local residents."

Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs for The Football League, added: "Football League clubs are working at the heart of their communities up and down the country and it is great to see them get such deserved recognition in Parliament. Football has a power to make a difference, and we are very proud of the positive work all our 72 clubs do in engaging over one and a half million people every year."