After the Leyton Orient Trust climate aiton workshop we accompanied Gary and some of the Trust’s youth coaches to a training session in a tough location in the east of London. The participants, we were told, come from marginalised backgrounds and are often facing issues related to drugs and violence. Football is attempting to offer these kids regularity, teamwork, fun and also to provide hope. Some of them want to become professional footballers. For others, without as much talent, these free sessions give them the opportunity to forget other aspects of their lives and to form a sense of belonging and community, It is the Premier League’s flagship community programme which uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.
