Wembley Football Project

This pilot project provided a free weekly 5-aside football session for 12-15 year olds with a focus on overall health and diet. It ran over 5 weeks from Nov 2009 until Xmas at Vale Sports Centre, North Wembley.

The project idea came about after residents from King George Crescent in Wembley raised the issue of the lack of affordable activities for young people in the area. After consulting local parents and young people it became clear that there were limited sports facilities available.

Reena Mukherji, director of Octavia Foundation: "This was a great project that was initiated by local young people who wanted a football project in their area. Solidarity Sports have worked with Octavia Foundation in the past and provide first class coaching and support for young people. This pilot project over one of the coldest December's on record shows that there is a huge demand for positive activities in this part of Brent. We are talking to young people and funders to continue the project over the coming months."

Suzanne, mother of 13-year-old Tavaughn: "He looks forward to it every week. It's local so I don't have to worry about him travelling far and it's very beneficial to him. It's good to keep him off the streets doing something productive."

Project participant Ashraf, 15: "I enjoy this club because it's easy to get here. It's good because it's free and you get food as well."

King George Crescent resident Jonathan, 15: "All the youths round here love football but there’s no free pitches in the area. Vale Farm Sports centre is ideal as it’s just down the road."

This project was funded by the Octavia Foundation.