Overview
It’s an exciting time for grassroots football as we’re teaming up with Football Beyond Borders for a fantastic initiative showing the true power of football. Every Wednesday at the St John’s Angell Town School in Brixton, our football community is invited for a football for good kickabouts. It’s our way of bringing the joy of the game to everyone, no matter your skill level or background.
Uniting Brixton Through the Power of Football
Football is for everyone, but sometimes it can feel a bit out of reach. That’s exactly why our weekly games are so important. We’re transforming Wednesdays into the new Fridays, creating a space where the main goal is to have a good time. It’s the perfect way to break up the week, get some exercise, and connect with others beyond the football pitch. Also, with an FBB team member joining us, you’re in for a great football experience.
Championing Change Through Football and Education
Football Beyond Borders stands out as a football for good movement. Focused on those from areas of socioeconomic disadvantage, FBB’s programs aim to foster a sense of community, develop essential life skills, and reduce school exclusions and support young people to achieve their GCSE’s through the power of football. Their unique approach of blending football with mentoring and education is making a tangible difference in many young lives. FBB’s vision is for all of the UK’s most vulnerable young people to thrive in mainstream school.
FBB’s Last Season Highlights
Supporting young people from Year 7 to Year 11 who are passionate about football, but at risk of school exclusion, FBB delivered 97 programmes across 45 school partners in 2021/22. This included 10,246 therapeutic mentoring sessions, 1,920 group classroom sessions, and 1,828 group football sessions. Their recent impact report shows evidence that young people on their programme are up to 11 times more likely to pass their GCSEs compared to their peers in a national comparison group.
Insights from the Founders
‘We are delighted to partner with Footy Addicts to offer inclusive football sessions to our local community. FBB was born out of South London 10 years ago, so it only felt right to kick off these sessions on home ground in Angell Town, Brixton. As well as providing an inclusive and fun space for people to play football every week, these sessions will support our mission to ensure every young person has a trusted adult in their life through the profits of each session going directly to FBB. Thank you to Footy Addicts for their continued support to help us achieve this mission.’
We are delighted to partner with Footy Addicts to offer inclusive football sessions to our local community.
Jack Reynolds, FBB CEO
‘We at Footy Addicts are buzzing to join forces with Football Beyond Borders. This partnership brings a fresh wave to our vibrant community, with a keen focus on the young ones. FBB has a solid track record of making a difference in young lives through football, especially those facing tough times. It’s a big step towards our mission to build happier, healthier and more active communities. We look forward to creating more opportunities for people to come together and enjoy being active.’
This partnership brings a fresh wave to our vibrant community, with a keen focus on the young ones.
Konstantinos Gkortsilas, Footy addicts
A Partnership for the Community
So, from now on, every Wednesday evening, something special happens on the pitch at St John’s Angell Town School. While we’re all there for the love of the game, there’s an added layer to our weekly football matches. In a quiet yet impactful way, Footy Addicts have started directing the proceeds from these games to Football Beyond Borders. It’s not shouted about, it’s just what we do to give back to the community.
For those who come down to play, it’s the same great game, but with a meaningful twist. This means that each player participating is not just getting a football fix but is also playing a vital role in supporting young people. This initiative adds a new dimension to the local football scene, offering players an opportunity to be part of something that matters, showcasing the true power of football.
How to Get Involved
Fancy a game? Grab your boots and sign up through the Footy Addicts app. And if you want to support FBB directly, check out their website for more info.
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