In partnership with the AVFC Foundation, For the Love of the Game is a powerful testament to the joy, passion, and empowerment that sport can bring to young people. It’s more than just a football project — it’s a celebration of community, confidence, and creating opportunities for girls to come together, get active, and play the game they love in a safe, welcoming environment.
The idea for a girls-only football project came directly from the young people themselves. Local girls expressed the desire for a space where they could play football, free from any pressure, judgment, or competition. They wanted a space that felt like their own — a place where they could enjoy the game simply for the love of it.
And so, For the Love of the Game was born. With the support of Our Community Foundation, we created that space, welcoming young girls from across the community to join in weekly football sessions. There are no expectations other than for them to have fun, get moving, and make new friends. The focus isn’t on performance — it’s on passion.
This initiative has been an incredible success, and it’s not just the girls who are benefitting. As part of Our Community Foundation’s Grow Your Own initiative, two local female volunteers from the community have stepped up to support the project, showing what’s possible when young people are given the tools to lead. Their involvement has not only empowered the participants, but also reinforced the idea of “growing your own” — giving young people the chance to develop skills and take on leadership roles within their own community.
What’s even more exciting is that, as a direct result of the programme, two girls from the project will soon embark on the FA Level 1 football coaching course. This qualification will equip them with the skills they need to run football sessions themselves, empowering them to lead and inspire future generations of young south-Asian, female footballers.
This project isn’t just about football — it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and creating opportunities for young girls to see their potential. The smiles, laughter, and sense of achievement at each session are proof of the impact For the Love of the Game is having.
At Our Community Foundation, we believe in the power of sport to bring people together, and For the Love of the Game is a shining example of how sport can open doors, create pathways, and build strong, confident young leaders.