The positive, heartwarming side of Carlisle United got its moment in the spotlight last Friday. Events on the pitch took a back seat, for this time it was the Blues’ impressive community work that was celebrated.

United’s community sports trust held their annual awards at The Halston. It was a glitzy event which had been years in the planning and several stages in the postponing, thanks to Covid.

Finally it could take place and it was impossible not to be moved by some of the stories that accompanied the winners as they walked to the stage.

There were people for whom football under the United banner had helped their mental health. People who had kicked alcohol dependency through the simple pleasures of walking football.

People with disabilities who had found an inclusive welcome in the CST. Young people whose education and employment prospects had been furthered.

The charitable community sports trust, headed by former Blues winger John Halpin, is the very best of what happens at Brunton Park. Halpin estimates the trust caters for between 30-40,000 people a year. That increased during the pandemic as the CST stepped up to offer further community support.

Halpin took a few minutes aside from Friday night’s celebrations, which were supported by numerous local businesses, to talk to the News & Star. “It’s been a really good night,” he said. “I’ve just been standing back watching how much it’s enthused everybody and how much it means to everybody.

“What’s become important to me is recognising it’s all so important for the club and trust to be such a focal point in the community. If we can try and better or affect people’s lives in a better way, we’re doing our job.

“The business community’s massively important in helping us too. Without them we couldn’t hold a night like this. A lot of people who’ve come along maybe didn’t realise the length and breadth of what we do. The big positive for me is people now going away thinking, ‘I didn’t realise they did that’. Now they might start thinking how they could get involved themselves.”

The awards night included a video of support from Helen Skelton, the prominent Cumbrian broadcaster whose brother happens to be United’s current caretaker manager, and whose uncle, she says, benefits from the CST via their walking football sessions.

“The amount of lives you touch, and the way you help people, is remarkable,” she said.

The award-winners encapsulated this. First, there was Andrew Diamond, winner of the Wellbeing Award, a man of whom at one point it was felt he might never play football again, due to his difficulty in leaving the house for long periods.

“I’ve been coming for six years and it’s been great for me,” he said of the football sessions at United. “It’s getting out there and doing something positive rather than sitting in the bedroom all the time. It’s the approval and companionship we have. They’re good people, a great bunch of lads.”

The Harry Armstrong Award went to Sarah-Jayne Smith, in respect of the work she had completed during a foundation degree. She went into schools with the trust’s coaches, helped with initiatives with a disability group, half-term camps and summer schools, boosting her work placement opportunities.

The Inclusion Award was given to James Taylor for his involvement in United’s disability football group. His dad Alan explained how James’ confidence and social skills had improved as a result of football at Brunton Park – and, as a Rangers fan as well as Blues season-ticket holder, shared the banter he enjoys with former Celtic player Halpin.

Traineeships Award winner Kaylee Cox told the audience of her impressive journey. She moved out of home from 16 after a family breakdown, and was introduced to a traineeship scheme with United through her social worker. Her positive approach to this led to a work placement and subsequently a job at Heathlands, which supports people with disabilities and mental health issues.

“It helped me gain confidence, and got me a job which I absolutely love,” said Kaylee.

The Walking Football Award winner Carl Peters was another example of the positivity of football in different ways. He had found a new start in life in United’s football sessions for over 50s having previously found that alcohol played a heavy part in his life.

“It’s reignited a childhood passion, thanks to being sober all these years,” Carl said. “It’s changed my life. You’re not sitting at home any more; you’re getting out of the house. It makes you realise, for all the work you’ve done in your life, this is what I should have done rather than going straight to the pub and getting out of shape physically and mentally.”

The Education Award went to Thomas Sheals, who spoke of how he had changed as a person through putting himself forward in a BTec extended diploma in sports coaching through the CST. Through going into primary schools and delivering PE sessions, Thomas had become more confident, vocal and resilient.

The Health Award was given to Jacky Brennan, who was a shining example of the club’s Fit Fans programme, embracing the trust’s help on healthy eating and exercise.

Finally, a Special Award went to the former United manager Paul Simpson. He was honoured for his work away from the pitch during his time at Brunton Park from 2003-6, for it was Simpson who brought Halpin back to the club in that period, and recognised the importance of staff and players becoming more involved with community initiatives.

Simpson, like his fellow winners, spoke on the big screen about this essential part of football clubs, while Halpin was keen to thank sponsors including North Lakes Energy Group, Intrgrity IT Solutions, Borderway Finance, Thomas Graham, Heineken, Apex Electrical, Mitie and tech 4 Office Equipment.

More initiatives are planned. “The important thing for me is if you stay still, you go backwards,” Halpin said. “We’re always trying to get another category in.

“If there’s anything people think we can affect, we’d be more than happy to get involved. You try and build and make it better. If we can keep doing the right things, for the club, trust and people’s lives, it’s a win-win situation.”