I NG PLAYING GROWING BUILDING LEARNING CONNECTING GROWING LEARNING
Active Through Football is changing the game and changing lives. Backed by Sport England, funded by The National Lottery, and delivered by the Football Foundation, this place-based programme is about more than just getting people moving. It’s about doing things differently. Thinking differently. And making a real, lasting change in communities across England. We’re going beyond the pitch, using the power of genuine community engagement, physical activity, and football to reach the people who face the biggest barriers to getting active. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to move more.
Our mission? To spark long-term behaviour change. To build communities where activity isn’t just possible, it becomes a lasting way of life. Through a place-based approach, we’re working alongside local people, and creating momentum that lasts long after the final whistle.
How do we do things?
Each project uses community engagement to build relationships and develop trust with groups who face the greatest barriers to physical activity. Recognising that people’s lives are shaped by many factors like race, income, disability, and gender, project teams work collaboratively with local people to develop community-led initiatives that they can call their own.
Our priority groups
• Women and girls
• People from lower-socio economic backgrounds
• Culturally diverse communities
• Disabled people / people with long-term health conditions
Creating connection in the community
Locke ‘n’ Lunch brings together a warm mix of local people, from new mums to retirees, for weekly walks and chats in the park. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere supports people with disabilities and mental health challenges, helping them build confidence, friendships, and a routine they look forward to every week.
LOCATION
Barnsley
PROJECT PARTNERS
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Barnsley FC Community Trust
LOCKE ‘N’ LUNCH
The long-term impact
After more than two years, the group now runs independently, led by two regular attendees who guide the sessions and keep the social element thriving. What began as a walking group has become a reliable support network, creating new friendships, and reducing isolation. The commitment of volunteers ensures the group’s sustainability for years to come.
“I look forward to this session every week.”
Participant
Strengthening community ties and improving safety
“Seeing participants find a community where they feel safe, valued, and part of something shows the importance of Active Through Football. We create safe spaces with people who genuinely care.”
Jordan Davies Active Through Football Coordinator
The story
Active Through Football Birmingham’s Friday Night Football quickly became a lifeline for young men in Small Heath. For 17-year-old Abdirahman, it provided structure, safety, and positive role models at a time when he was drifting into trouble. The welcoming environment at Dream Chaser Youth Club helped him build confidence and a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt before.
LOCATION
Birmingham PROJECT PARTNERS
Aston Villa Foundation Dream Chaser Youth Club
The long-term impact
As Abdirahman grew more engaged, he encouraged friends, some involved in serious antisocial behaviour, to join. Friday Night Football has contributed to reduced antisocial behaviour and drugrelated activity in the area. It’s led to improved community safety and created positive opportunities for young people to engage in their community, highlighting the power of regular football and mentoring sessions for local teenagers.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Blackpool FC Community Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust created weekly, friendly football sessions for female NHS staff. Women of all ages and abilities found an inclusive space to be active, enjoy football and build friendships with understanding and supportive peers.
GOOD WELLBEING
LOCATION
Blackpool
PROJECT PARTNERS
Blackpool FC Community Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
The long-term impact
The group has grown from five women to over twenty players each week, forming their own NHS women’s team and competing in local friendlies. With two members now trained as coaches, the sessions will expand to twice weekly in 2026. The programme has strengthened wellbeing, created lasting friendships, and built a confident, sustainable football community.
“Living with Autism and ADHD means my mind is usually running at a hundred miles an hour but being on the pitch is one of the only places where it finally goes quiet.”
Participant
Transforming community into confidence
“It has made a huge difference in my life. I’ve grown in confidence and feel proud of what I’ve been able to achieve, especially seeing other women enjoy the sessions too.”
Shiraza
The story
When Shiraza joined DE23 Active she experienced low confidence and found it hard to leave the house. Through supportive women’s sessions, she grew from participant to coach, supporting other South Asian Muslim women to try football for the first time in a space where they felt understood, welcomed and represented.
LOCATION
Derby PROJECT PARTNERS
Community Action Derby
Active Derbyshire
Community One
Derby City Council
Derby County Community Trust
Derbyshire FA
Metropolitan Thames Valley
Press Red
The long-term impact
Shiraza’s leadership has opened doors for women who previously never saw football “for them.”
By introducing walking football and soccercise, she helped build women’s confidence and inspired others to participate. Now an award winning coach and community advocate, she continues shaping inclusive opportunities while developing her own qualifications and supporting wider community programmes across Derby.
SHIRAZA’S STORY
Enfield’s Active Through Football team worked with local community groups to help them grow and thrive. Together, they planned sessions, developed organisations’ structures, and supported local leaders. Informal gatherings became confident, well-organised groups, with the skills and connections to shape their own futures and secure funding to keep going.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
LOCATION
London Borough of Enfield
PROJECT PARTNERS
Active Enfield
Better
Enfield Voluntary Action
Headway Sports
London CC CIC
Perfecting Potential
Powerbox Fitness
Holistic Education and Sport Support Services
The long-term impact
The programme supported the creation of three new Community Interest Companies and one Charity, opening access to new funding streams. One group has already secured over £18,000, with more bids pending. These structures ensure the community’s work will thrive long after Active Through Football ends, embedding wellbeing activity and empowering local groups to continue supporting residents.
“The impact hasn’t only changed things for the participants, it has changed us as an organisation. We’ve learned, grown, and improved our services, and found new ways to support our community.”
Ozgur Chairman of London CC CIC
Creating a new community leader
“Play On gave me the chance to rebuild my confidence and helped me back into work for the first time in 15 years. Now I’m supporting others in the community.”
Claire
The story
Claire joined Play On after a difficult period with her mental health and time spent out of work. The supportive environment helped her rebuild confidence, develop new skills and enjoy being active again. Over time, she became a volunteer, apprentice and later a full-time coach.
LOCATION
Gateshead
PROJECT PARTNERS
Gateshead Council Hat-Trick
The long-term impact
Claire now plays a key role delivering community sessions and inspiring others who are starting their own wellbeing journeys. Her progression from participant to staff member shows how inclusive sport can open pathways into employment, improve wellbeing and lifelong skills. Her impact has been recognised nationally winning the Coach of the Year award at the UK Coaching Awards.
CLAIRE’S STORY
Thorpe Park Rangers, a ‘forgotten’ grassroots football club, reached out to Active Through Football Hull for help revitalising their community football site. Through funding support, new partnerships and free activity sessions, the club re-engaged residents through community events like Sportsfest and became a positive focal point for families across the Orchard Park estate.
Transforming local clubs and facilities
OUT OF THE PARK
LOCATION
Kingston-upon-Hull
PROJECT PARTNERS
Hull City Council
Hull Culture & Leisure
Thorpe Park Rangers FC Tigers Trust
Active Humber
East Riding County FA Humberside Police
The long-term impact
With support from Hull’s consortium, Thorpe Park Rangers established a Community Interest Organisation, navigated a complex Community Asset Transfer, and secured vital equipment and training. The Club and Chair, Alan Cope, are now recognised as a Pillar of the Community.
“We’re
making so much progress with a Community Asset Transfer for the football site, without the Active Through Football project nothing would have been possible, it’s greatly appreciated.”
Alan Cope
Creating a new community champion
“Our ladies exercise class isn’t just about improving our health and mobility, it’s full of laughter and fun, its building friendships within the local community.”
Angela
The story
Angela, a dedicated volunteer at Thornhill Lees Community Centre, helped expand the centre’s activity offer by leading a new women’s gentle exercise class. After completing MAGIC (Music and Games in Chairs) training, she now leads fun, welcoming sessions that support local women to stay active, connect and enjoy time together.
LOCATION
Kirklees
PROJECT PARTNERS
The Huddersfield Town Foundation Dewsbury & District Third Age
Community Plus Thornhill Lees Community Centre
The long-term impact
Angela’s leadership has created a multi day, accessible physical activity offer for both men and women. Her consistency and passion have strengthened the centre as a community hub, ensuring local people have long term access to low cost, supportive wellbeing activities. Active Through Football continues to help sustain these sessions and develop further opportunities.
ANGELA’S STORY
Nurturing the next generation
Mustafa started as a participant, quickly showing leadership by supporting his community group. Through Active Through Football, he gained coaching qualifications and delivered several weekly sessions. His passion for helping young people and love for football helped him grow into a confident, capable coach with real impact locally.
LOCATION
Leeds
PROJECT PARTNERS
Leeds United Foundation
COACH MUSTAFA
The long-term impact
Now a fully qualified FA coach and casual Leeds United Foundation staff member, Mustafa continues to deliver youth sessions and volunteer at events. With further qualifications and development opportunities planned, he’s building a long-term coaching career that will strengthen his community through adult and youth sessions for years to come.
“I was really inspired by Active Through Football’s mission to make football accessible to everyone. It was super rewarding for me to support the younger generation to grow and develop.”
Mustafa
Collaborating between multi-sport partners
“The insights we’ve gained from this incredible cohort of women, and from our partnerships with you, will shape the future of our sport and help us to continue empowering women.”
England Netball
The story
Active Women partnered with England Netball to deliver an eight week Active Menopause programme combining weekly wellbeing workshops, peer led discussions and Walking Netball. The sessions created a trusted, culturally sensitive space where women could learn, move and support each other whilst developing healthy habits to improve wellbeing during menopause.
LOCATION
Leicester
PROJECT PARTNERS
Leicester City in the Community England Netball Active Together Highfields Centre
The long-term impact
The collaboration introduced England Netball to new communities who’d never played netball, building trust and shaping future delivery approaches. Word of mouth recruitment strengthened participation and highlighted the value of community designed activity. The programme’s success led to its inclusion in Sport England’s national System Partner Collaboration case studies.
WALKING NETBALL
In Netherton, a simple lunch group became a lifeline for local men seeking company and light activity. Frank and Paddy, both passionate about woodwork, found new purpose through the sessions – reconnecting socially, staying active and using their skills to create cornhole sets for other community groups.
Giving back to the community
FRANK AND PADDY’S STORY
LOCATION
Liverpool
PROJECT PARTNERS
Liverpool County FA
Active Halton
Fazakerley Federation
Fazakerley Rangers FC
Learn Active
Urban Health UK
The long-term impact
Their involvement has strengthened the group’s identity and sustainability. By promoting the sessions, using their carpentry skills to donate handmade equipment, and support upkeep of the community centre, they’ve created a strong sense of community during difficult times. Their enthusiasm encourages new members, helping reduce loneliness and ensuring the group continues as a valued weekly fixture for local men.
“This
group has really helped me,
I’ve been
a widower for three years and if it wasn’t for this group and Centre, I’d be sat at home staring at the TV.”
Participant
“I’ve never been to an Active Through Football session, I heard about Ramadan football. This was an amazing night I won’t forget.”
Saleem
Engaging the whole community
“I really enjoyed the session. After prayer I often feel like there’s nothing else to do, so this meant a lot to me.”
Abdullah
The story
To support Muslim participants during Ramadan, Middlesbrough delivered late evening football sessions in partnership with Teesside University to enable the community to play football around fasting periods. Ramadan Football sessions brought 139 people together in year one and over 200 in year two, proving that inclusive, culturally aware activity can thrive and attract diverse communities.
LOCATION
Middlesbrough PROJECT PARTNERS
Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation Teesside University
The long-term impact
The annual Ramadan Football sessions have become a trusted, celebrated part of the Active Through Football legacy, welcoming Muslims and non Muslims alike. Free health checks added further value, raising awareness of wellbeing and strengthening community trust. Its success has secured its continuation beyond the programme, embedding long term cultural inclusion in Middlesbrough’s football offer.
RAMADAN FOOTBALL
The universal language of football
Newcastle United brought together Active Through Football and Wallsend Boys Club to deliver inclusive football for young people, refugees, and asylum seekers. Festivals, joint sessions and tournaments with other Active Through Football projects created friendships, confidence, and shared experiences between different communities. Community connection and inclusion are celebrated through the universal language of football.
LOCATION
Newcastle
PROJECT PARTNERS
Newcastle United Foundation
Newcastle City Council
Wallsend Boys & Girls Club
UNITED AS ONE
The long-term impact
The programme has expanded year on year, adding women’s formats, cross regional competitions, school workshops and new sports like badminton. A “Play on the Pitch” experience at St James’ Park strengthened pride and motivation. Plans for learning workshops and wider partnerships aim to deepen community integration and broaden participation during Refugee Week and beyond.
“Thanks to this community, refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome and integrated. A community that comes together is one that wins.”
Shams Support Worker
Developing community leaders
“Through the Council’s Communities First approach, Get Onside focuses on enabling communities to lead their own initiatives, strengthening local networks and supporting people to build healthier, more connected communities.”
Participant
The story
Get Onside supports community led activity across Northumberland using an asset based community development approach. Wansbeck Wanderers, started as an informal group that grew into a thriving walking football club for men, women and parents –providing friendly, accessible football for people who might otherwise not take part.
LOCATION
Northumberland
PROJECT PARTNERS
Northumberland County Council
Wansbeck Wanderers Walking Football Club
The long-term impact
The club has grown from two small groups to over 70 members, with full FA affiliation and successful festivals. Their growth shows how grassroots sport flourishes when communities are empowered to lead. Get Onside’s Community First Approach is creating sustainable activities and clubs.
GET ONSIDE
Held in a trusted cultural setting, the Indian Temple Just Play sessions create a safe, women only space for South Asian women to try football and get more active. The focus on fun, comfort and community has helped participants build confidence, improve wellbeing and feel genuinely welcomed.
Creating new opportunities for South Asian women
LOCATION
Oldham
PROJECT PARTNERS
Oldham Council
Oldham Athletic Community Trust
JUST PLAY
The long-term impact
The award winning sessions have shown how culturally sensitive activity can remove long standing barriers to physical activity. Oldham now plans to expand similar offers across other venues, giving more women the chance to stay active, build friendships and enjoy football in supportive environments that respect their needs and lived experiences.
“Before these sessions I had never played football or taken part in sport like this. It’s great to be active with other women from the community.”
Participant
“Getting back into exercise post-baby can be really tough. But at Mum’s Stay & Play, I know my children have a safe space to play while I focus on myself.”
Participant
The story
Mum’s Stay & Play gives new mums a relaxed, supportive space to be active with their babies. Ruthie joined as a participant looking for connection and confidence, and soon found herself stepping up to help. With training and encouragement, she grew into a brilliant session leader who now inspires others.
LOCATION
Plymouth
PROJECT PARTNERS
Argyle Community Trust
The long-term impact
The programme has strengthened physical and mental wellbeing for hundreds of women, reducing isolation and creating a welcoming community. Ruthie’s journey shows how relatable leadership can empower others to participate. With high engagement, strong social bonds and growing women’s activity offers, the sessions now form a sustainable model that will continue to support local families long term.
MUM’S STAY & PLAY
After moving from Pakistan, Zahira became isolated and developed weight related health problems. Encouraged to try badminton, she rediscovered a sport she once loved. With support from other women, she built confidence, regained fitness and found joy, purpose and friendship through regular sessions.
LOCATION
Rotherham
PROJECT PARTNERS
Rotherham Untied Community Trust Confidence through sport
ZAHIRA’S STORY
The long-term impact
Zahira now plays badminton three times a week, has lost 15kg, joined a gym and swims regularly. Her confidence has transformed, enabling her to stay active and support others. Her story highlights how supportive, welcoming activities can break isolation and empower women to reclaim their wellbeing at any age.
“Badminton has completely changed my life, I look forward to the sessions every week, and they’ve given me my confidence back. I feel fitter, healthier, and so much happier.”
Zahira
Football for men’s wellbeing
“I’ve enjoyed being more active and being together as a community, it’s very important as well.”
Abdul
The story
Sheffield’s Active Through Football sessions helped Abdul improve his fitness and community connection, while supporting Rudwan to rebuild his energy, confidence, and mental health after a difficult year. The friendly, active environment gave both men a reason to show up, feel included and enjoy football as part of their weekly routine.
LOCATION
Sheffield
PROJECT PARTNERS
Sheffield United Foundation
Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme
The long-term impact
The programme continues to engage more local people, strengthening community ties and providing a sustainable football offer that supports wellbeing long-term. Participants like Abdul and Rudwan demonstrate how accessible sessions can boost confidence, improve health and create lasting friendships. Active Through Football aims to expand its legacy, reaching more residents across Burngreave.
ABDUL AND RUDWAN’S STORY
Serving the local community
SO14 Active didn’t just create new activities, it reshaped how organisations work together in Southampton. By putting community voices first, the project influenced recruitment, delivery and partnership approaches across Saints Foundation and the local authority. This has created more inclusive, collaborative, and responsive systems that better serve local residents.
LOCATION
Southampton
PROJECT PARTNERS
Saints Foundation
Energise Me
Hampshire FA
Solent NHS Trust
Southampton City Council
SO14 ACTIVE
The long-term impact
The approach now underpins wider, place based work, including Southampton’s successful Sport England Place Partnerships bid. Community engagement is embedded across projects’ development and delivery. Strong partnerships have strengthened services for local people. SO14 Active’s model will continue to drive system change and support long lasting community led programmes.
“The sessions help me and my daughter be more active and socialise with other people.”
SO14 Active Participant
“It has given me a reason to leave the house.”
SO14
Active Participant
From Sierra Leone to Stockton-on-Tees
“I think of my life in Stockton like a tree – I’ve put down roots, and grown many branches, but at the heart of everything is Shape The Play.”
Abubakarr
The story
After settling in Stockton, Abubakarr felt isolated and disconnected from his community. Through Shape The Play, he had the opportunity to use his experience as a former Paralympic coach and referee. With encouragement, he began volunteering and through this has rebuilt his confidence whilst forming friendships.
LOCATION
Stockton-on-Tees
PROJECT PARTNERS
North Riding County FA Durham University
The long-term impact
Abubakarr has now restarted refereeing, officiating regular fixtures including a County Cup Final. This has opened opportunities back into long term employment in sport. He’s become a role model for other refugees and asylum seekers, supporting them into volunteering and helping them feel welcomed and valued within the local community.
ABUBAKARR’S STORY
Walking football for the South Asian community
786
In Burslem, walking football became a powerful way to engage with South Asian residents who were previously inactive. Local leaders championed the idea, encouraging neighbours to join weekly sessions, creating a welcoming football community.
Within a year, the group formed a team, 786 Reunited, and completed their first league season.
REUNITED
LOCATION
Stoke-on-Trent
PROJECT PARTNERS
Staffordshire FA
Stoke City Foundation
Port Vale FC Foundation
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Together Active University of Staffordshire
The long-term impact
The club is now fully self-sustaining and developing a second team, with additional new mental health focused sessions introduced following engagement with the community about their priorities. Participants report improved health, confidence and social connection. The group’s continued growth shows the role football can play in creating inclusive communities for the long term.
“I thought my football playing days were over, walking football and Active Through Stoke has given me the opportunity to play the game I love.”
Participant
Men’s football with a feel good spirit
“The men were inactive, many felt isolated and experienced low mood. All the men improved their fitness and enjoy the camaraderie that exercising together in a team brings.”
Frestie
The story
Supported through Change the Game, Frestie used his coaching qualifications to create fun, structured Saturday sessions for men from diverse backgrounds. What began as a simple skills and drills group soon became a warm, supportive community where men could get active, and enjoy football in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
LOCATION
Sunderland
PROJECT PARTNERS
Active Sunderland
The long-term impact
The group now has close to 40 regular players and runs independently of Active Through Football support. Participants report weight loss, improved fitness, reduced isolation and better mental wellbeing. The newly formed team plays friendlies with local churches, strengthening community links. Frestie’s leadership continues to inspire men to reconnect with physical activity whilst forming new friendships.
FRESTIE’S STORY
Becoming a walking football champion
Liam, who has Down syndrome, is a much-loved member of the Everyone’s Game walking football group. His enthusiasm kindness and willingness to help make him a natural leader. With support from Active Through Football, he completed The FA Playmaker course, taking his first steps into coaching and volunteering.
LOCATION
Tameside
PROJECT PARTNERS
Active Tameside
LIAM’S STORY
The long-term impact
Liam now regularly supports delivery, referees at sessions and helps welcome newcomers. His confidence has grown enormously, and his positivity has strengthened the group’s inclusive, family-like atmosphere. With continued support, Liam hopes to use his skills to take part in and deliver more community football sessions in the future.
“Liam is a very enthusiastic individual that loves his football. He’s shown his willingness to help as much as he can. He’s incredibly welcoming to those who are new.”
Peter Boase
Active Through Football Project Manager
Community-led football for mums
“Sue has now lost two stone, her social life is much better, she’s doing her coaching badges and looking to volunteer with girls aged three to eleven.”
Participant
The story
Starting with two Parent and Toddler groups, conversations with mums revealed a need for football sessions designed around their needs. Together, they codesigned a women’s football session that worked for them. As a result, the group grew quickly, bringing together local women to have fun, make friends and play football.
LOCATION
Wakefield
PROJECT PARTNERS
Wakefield Council Frickley Athletic Community Foundation
The long-term impact
The group now attracts over 20 weekly participants and has grown into Frickley Athletic Women’s Team, progressing from 5-a-side to an 11-a-side league. The Club and community continue to grow, with new sessions added. Participants now volunteer, pursue coaching badges and support local clubs, ensuring this growth is sustainable for the long-term.
HER GAME
The power of mentoring
Max, a neurodiverse student on the Wolves Foundation degree pathway, joined Active Through Football as part of his work-based learning. Initially shy and unsure, he received one-to-one mentoring which helped build his confidence. Over time, he began welcoming participants to sessions, leading warmups and supporting delivery across disability and adult football.
LOCATION
Wolverhampton
PROJECT PARTNERS
Wolves Foundation
MAX’S STORY
The long-term impact
Max’s confidence has transformed, helping him communicate clearly, take leadership roles and referee games. He has now taken a voluntary role to continue developing his coaching experience. His growth has given him a sense of independence and valuable employability skills that will support a future career in community sport.
“Last
year, I was awarded my BSc, a huge milestone for me. I genuinely don’t believe I would have achieved it without the support of the programme. I can’t thank them enough.”
Max
25 stories
25 communities
5 years of impact
How Active Through Football has changed lives across England.
CHANGING SHAPING LEADING MOVING UPLIFTING CELEBRATING
