Football Program for Children (September 2025) | EASTERN SUDAN COMMUNITY ASSOC

Football Program for Children (September 2025)

ESCA London Football Club
September 2025 – June 2026

Organisation
Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA Community)

Project Title
Come and Play with ESCA Football

Reporting Period
September 2025 – June 2026

Location
Powerleague Shepherd's Bush, London

Target Group
Boys aged 9–12 years, primarily from the W12 area and surrounding communities.

Executive Summary

The ESCA Football Project was established to provide free, accessible, and high-quality football opportunities for boys aged 9–12 years living primarily in the W12 area. The project aimed to improve physical health, build confidence, promote social inclusion, and encourage community engagement through regular football activities delivered in a safe and supportive environment.

Between September 2025 and June 2026, ESCA successfully delivered weekly football sessions at Powerleague Shepherd's Bush. All sessions were led by an FA-qualified football coach, ensuring that participants received professional coaching and structured training opportunities.

The programme was offered completely free of charge, removing financial barriers and enabling local children from diverse backgrounds to participate regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Throughout the reporting period, 34 children registered for the programme, with an average weekly attendance of between 21 and 25 participants. The project was also supported by 6 dedicated volunteers who assisted with organisation, safeguarding, and participant support.

Project Background

ESCA identified a growing need for affordable and accessible sports activities for children in the W12 area. Many local families face financial challenges that limit access to organised sports programmes and extracurricular activities.

To address this need, ESCA launched the “Come and Play with ESCA Football” project, providing free weekly football sessions where children could develop their sporting skills, improve their physical wellbeing, build new friendships, and participate in positive community activities.

The project also aimed to create an inclusive environment that brings together children from diverse cultural and social backgrounds through sport.

Project Objectives

The main objectives of the project were:

To provide free football sessions for boys aged 9–12 years.
To increase participation in physical activity.
To improve football skills and fitness levels.
To develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
To promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
To encourage social inclusion and community cohesion.
To provide a safe and supportive environment for local children.

Project Delivery

Session Details

Activity: Football Training Sessions.
Target Group: Boys aged 9–12 years.
Day: Every Sunday.
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Venue: Powerleague Shepherd's Bush.
Session Duration: 2 hours.
Cost to Participants: Free of charge.
Coach: FA-Qualified Football Coach.

Activities Delivered

The weekly sessions included:

Football skills training.
Dribbling and ball control exercises.
Passing and receiving techniques.
Shooting practice.
Small-sided games.
Team-building activities.
Fitness and agility exercises.
Friendly matches.
Leadership and communication development.
Sportsmanship and discipline education.

All sessions were delivered on outdoor football pitches within a structured, safe, and welcoming environment.

Beneficiaries

The project primarily benefited boys aged 9–12 years living in the W12 area and neighbouring communities.

The programme was designed to remove financial barriers by providing football activities completely free of charge, ensuring equal access for all children regardless of family income.

Participation Data