A nationwide five-a-side tournament, culminating in a finals day at St George’s Park – the home of England football – on November 1st coupled with individual sponsorship of Street Soccer Foundation Academies across the UK, has created top-notch social impact opportunities for sponsors of The Big Goal initiative.
More importantly, the project’s central aim to change the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK is working, as young Academy graduates and sponsor representatives were pleased to validate. Ashley Murphy, who participated in the Onecom sponsored Street Soccer Academy at Portsmouth FC’s Pompey for Life, told Comms Dealer: “The coaches have helped all of us with our confidence and we’ve all grown as people.”
Ashley now hopes to get into football coaching having gained better self-belief and the ability to push himself alongside a group of ‘friends for life’ he has made through the Academy.
Onecom CEO Martin Flick said: “Onecom’s roots are in the Portsmouth area where many of our team live and work. Raising money for such a worthy charity is important, but getting involved, meeting the people and seeing what value your experience can bring to improve young peoples’ lives is priceless.”
Meanwhile, Paige Hawkes took part in the Focus Group sponsored Palace for Life Street Soccer Academy, based at Crystal Palace FC, and is set to continue her relationship with the club’s foundation by volunteering for them. “I formed friendships with the whole group and felt very welcome and comfortable,” she commented. “I was particularly proud of myself when I took part in the football side of things. The sessions on mental health also helped me to overcome difficult times and develop my confidence.”
Harry Elkin, Talent Acquisition Advisor at Focus Group, added: “Guiding our Palace for Life Academy group through workshops and engaging in networking activities not only allowed us to share valuable skills, but also highlighted the incredible potential within each participant. It’s amazing to see how sport can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth.”
Terry O’Brien, CEO of The Big Goal lead sponsor Giacom, added: “This is just a start. Believe me, The Big Goal can only get bigger.”
To join The Big Goal, sign up here: www.thebiggoal.co.uk
Pictured above: Giacom and Focus Academy players in action