teamArchie x Football Beyond Borders
One of teamArchie’s initial beneficiaries Roya, introduced us to Football Beyond Borders (FBB) where she now works. We are delighted to announce a new partnership with an organisation so wonderfully allied to teamArchie’s mission and values.
FBB works with young people from areas of socio-economic disadvantage to help them finish school with the skills and grades to make a successful transition into adulthood. They address the issue of disengagement at school by using football as the initial hook to engage and motivate the participants. The football, outdoor and classroom activities focus on social and emotional learning. Football training is complemented by other group-based activities which require the creation of a final product, such as a video, presentation or magazine for public display and build on the young peoples’ passions and relationships. The young people develop confidence, self-belief and pride from contributing and achieving. As you can see from testament from the girls and their supporters, progress in the FBB programme is directly linked to school-wide behavior, achievements and academic attainment
“When I started my FBB journey in year 8 I enjoyed playing football but always was in trouble at school. Sometimes I wouldn’t be able to come to sessions because I would be in trouble for how I reacted to things which happened throughout the day. FBB really helped me find better ways to deal with school situations and develop my self management which definitely helped me stay out of trouble. FBB also helped me become a better team player and work better with my teammates through playing football.”
“When they started at FBB, they didn’t want to take up space and were quiet in the classroom. On the football pitch, they were engaged and a natural leader and proved that they were talented at sports. Throughout their time at FBB they have been able to transfer their leadership from sports, into the classroom. They began to easily speak about how they felt and challenge others in the classroom. This epitomises their FBB journey which will hopefully lead to a career as a PE teacher.”
Exciting rewards and exposure to career opportunities further motivate commitment and enable the young people to realise the importance of their life-changing participation. This summer they took 30 girls on a leadership course at the National Football Centre, St Georges Park. As a result four girls have have now shown a marked interest in completing their FA referee course, to develop themselves and create a route to self-defined, sustainable success (and more female referees!). teamArchie will fund these courses.
