I WONDER what your Christmas traditions are? For some on the south coast it will be a pilgrimage to one of our beaches for a long walk to work off the mince pies.

But for others, me included, it will involve a visit to Boxing Day football: to link up with family and friends and to offer seasonal good advice to referee and players from the safety of the stand, one step removed from the dramatic action on the pitch.

Over the past year I’ve had a number of opportunities to get to know the work of Southampton Football Club’s Saints Foundation.

It’s my personal view, of course, but in many ways the transformative work of the Saints Foundation reminds me of the Christmas story: that God does not remain distant from a world in trouble, doesn’t shout good advice from the safety of the stands, but rather reaches out to a world in need, joins us in the vulnerability of a child, to open up new life and possibility.

Each year over 30,000 young people and vulnerable adults are served by the Foundation’s projects.

Saints4Sport is a good example and works with adults facing some of life’s biggest challenges including homelessness, mental health issues or substance and alcohol misuse.

Good advice from a distance is not on the agenda. Rather, project staff get alongside some of the most needy people in our city and, through the offer of mentoring and activities – including football and fishing – put routine, self-esteem and purpose back into participants’ lives.

I commend the work of the Saints Foundation to you at Christmas. Come on you Saints!

The Right Reverend Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton.