Stevenage

Image source, EFL

A new initiative highlighting the work of football club charities has been launched by the English Football League (EFL).

'Scan to Smile' will be rolled out in stadiums across the EFL from Friday until the end of January, with supporters invited to scan QR codes on posters displayed around grounds.

Each scan will unlock a short, uplifting story from a person whose life has been positively impacted by the support of their local club charity.

The subjects tackled include mental health support, combating loneliness, improving physical wellbeing, employability and confidence.

The EFL said it hoped the initiative would use "the reach and influence of football to offer fans a moment of positivity on matchday".

Trevor Birch, chief executive at the EFL, said: "Behind every club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL club charity.

"This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact first-hand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good."

Image source, SNS

St Mirren have succeeded in their long-running pursuit of Jake Young, landing the striker from Stevenage on an 18-month contract.

Young, 24, enjoyed his most prolific career spell at Swindon Town, where he scored 16 goals in 26 appearances on loan from Bradford in 2023.

He moved to Stevenage the following year but has struggled for game-time, making just 17 starts and scoring five times.

"It's not often we get people with a history of goals," manager Stephen Robinson said. "He had a brilliant spell at Swindon where he scored a lot of goals.

"He's obviously not had as good a season this season. That's been our fortune that we've been able to get him.

"I've chased him for a number of weeks. He gives us an outlet in behind. He likes to play up front with somebody running off him.

"We've been desperately missing that clinical edge. He'll certainly add to that."

Young becomes the second signing of the January window at League Cup winners St Mirren after midfielder Allan Campbell.

"I've heard a lot about it here and the recent success the club has had so looking forward to getting started and showing the fans what I'm about," said the striker.

"I want to help us win some points and get us up the table. I'm looking forward to getting out there, finding my feet and getting some goals."