66 Students & 70 Miles Covered Across London, A Triumphant Finish!
What a journey it's been! Our 2025 Schools Programme is wrapping up this month, and we couldn't be prouder of the incredible progress. We're thrilled to confirm 61 students are on track to complete their accreditation across four fantastic schools – each a vital part of our programme's story. This year, we were absolutely delighted to welcome Harrow High to the family, and their enthusiasm has been infectious!
June has been a powerhouse month, as we successfully completed four dynamic exchange days.
Our students and staff navigated London, covering 70 miles accross as they embraced teamwork and leadership challenges. A huge shout-out to Equinix for partnering with us for a second consecutive year! Their amazing volunteers jumped in, sharing industry insights and helping our participants shine during what were truly packed and impactful days. We're celebrating every success as this cohort concludes their programme!
Bring on the Summer!!!
Welcome Back
Welcome, or should we say welcome back, to Halema Hussain, FJ’s newest Trustee.
Halema first joined the FJ schools programme back in 2012 as a participant at Copeland High (now Ark Elvin Academy). She continued onto FJ Ambassadors, before launching off into the world of Adult Social Care and Finance. We are so happy that she has returned to join our Board of Trustees, bringing her journey full circle.
What's a standout memory of your time on the FJ Programmes?
My standout memory from the FJ programme was travelling to the different parts of London to engage with other young people from different schools. This is a very fond memory for me as I was able to travel independently for the first time around London and got to know how the underground lines work. Travelling around London not only boosted my confidence but also expanded my knowledge about different communities in London and their demographics.
Reflecting back, were there any important lessons that have influenced how you see things now?
Embrace changes because it is crucial for our personal and professional growth it fosters adaptability and resilience and new opportunities. It allows us to learn from our and others experiences, develop new skills and navigate the ever evolving world. By embracing change I learned we can unlock our
potential, overcome challenges and live a more fulfilling life.
Do you have any advice for FJ's newest recruits?
Don’t be afraid! Focus on building stronger relationships, actively listening and learn from your coaches and ensure to commit to continuous learning. Always remember that engaging in new activities leads to increased creativity and problem solving which builds our resilience.
And finally, what is your hope for FJ's future, now that you're part of our leadership?
My aim is to use my knowledge of the programme and professional background to make a positive impact in future planning for the organisation's growth. Additionally, I see this trusteeship as an opportunity to keep upskilling my expertise and knowledge, and build more transferable skills, just as the programmes did for me many years ago.
Support Football Journeys for FREE When You Shop Online!
Did you know you can support Football Journeys without spending an extra penny? We've got an exciting way for you to help us, and it's incredibly easy!
Every time you shop online – whether it's for your weekly groceries, gifts, clothes, or even booking your next holiday – over 8,000 retailers like Tesco, M&S, John Lewis, eBay, Argos, ASOS, Booking.com, and many more, will donate to us for FREE through easyfundraising! Yes, you can raise money for Football Journeys just by shopping like you normally do!
My Football Journeys, A Full Circle Moment to Our Biggest Event Yet!
Renee Fontaine - Head Of Operations
When I stepped into my new role as Head of Operations at Football Journeys in April 2025, I had no idea that just weeks later I’d be leading one of the charity’s biggest events to date, the Ambassadors Corporate Tournament at QPR’s Loftus Road Stadium. But what made this event even more special wasn’t just its scale, it was deeply personal. It felt like a homecoming.
You see, my journey didn’t start with Football Journeys. It began over 25 years ago, at Queens Park Rangers. My very first job at the age of 16 was as a kitchen porter on matchdays, scrubbing pots and trays during the halftime rush. It may have been behind the scenes, but even then I was soaking up the atmosphere of professional football, learning life skills that would stay with me forever.
By 17, I’d qualified as a football coach and transitioned into the QPR Football in the Community department, a small, dedicated team working from a room with four computers and a shared passion for sport and social change. It was a smooth transition, and in many ways, it laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Fast forward to May 5th, 2025, and I’m walking through the very same stadium, not with an apron on, but a clipboard and microphone as the lead organiser for a landmark Football Journeys event. It was surreal. Emotional, even. I was back in the place where it all began, only now I was building something bigger, with a team and mission I believe in deeply.
What made it even more powerful was the community that came together around this event, that is what legacy looks like.
My time at QPR's Football in the Community had a lasting impression on me, and seeing that same spirit live on through Football Journeys reminded me that sometimes we really do come full circle. Would I be doing this work today if I hadn’t started as a teen apprentice in that very department? Maybe not. And that thought alone makes this journey all the more meaningful.
On the eve of the event, I’ll be honest, I was nervous. I wanted every detail to run smoothly. But when game day came, I woke up filled with purpose, with a real “can-do attitude” (the kind you type on your CV, except this time I meant it), and what a day it turned out to be.
Ambassador and Corporate teams played with heart and humour. The stadium buzzed with energy. And most importantly, our young ambassadors watched a community come together around a mission that’s all about them.
It wasn’t just a tournament, It was a celebration of connection, of roots, of journeys old and new. And for me, it was proof that what starts as a small opportunity can lead to something extraordinary.
Here’s to many more game changing moments with Football Journeys.
Many Thanks to our Tournament Supporters.
What’s Coming Up this summer?
We’re kicking off the summer with a Match of the Day
A workshop in collaboration with the London Screen Academy—giving our Ambassadors the chance to explore sports media like never before.
Followed by our summer programme ‘My London’
A bold blend of creativity and football along the South Bank. Think portraits, short film-making, corporate collabs, and hands-on workshops, putting their skills to the test.
This year, for the first time we are officially launching a FJ Youth Advisory Board
Our experienced ambassadors will have the chance to support programme delivery, join Youth Advisory meetings, and play a key role in shaping the future of FJ from the inside out.
Run 5, Impact 50
Ian & Mark’s Challenge!
Our Trustees, Mark and Ian, are lacing up for a major fundraising push this month. They're running 5 miles every day for 50 days to raise £50,000 for our "50 for 50" campaign – a crucial initiative that will provide a full year of programs for 50 young people.
We're 12% towards our target! Help us build momentum and secure the future for these amazing participants.
FJ is looking to develop an App. Are you the wizard we need to help us scope the project?
Standing strong in challenge, growing stronger in purpose
This past quarter has brought its fair share of challenges, particularly underscoring how tough the third sector can be when it comes to securing traditional funding. That’s exactly why initiatives like our 50 for 50 campaign, led by our trustees, are so vital. Their goal to raise £50,000 is ambitious, and necessary. I encourage all of our valued supporters to get involved, whether by making a donation or simply spreading the word. Every action helps us reach more young people.
Amidst these challenges, we’re proud to see our partnership model gaining strength. We’re delighted to welcome Academia as a new partner, their support has already helped make experiences like our recent May bank holiday Ambassadors celebration possible.Collaborations like these are central to our mission and long-term growth.
This summer marks an exciting milestone for Football Journeys: for the first time, we’ll be running multiple programmes across different age groups. This evolution not only broadens our reach but deepens the experiences we’re able to offer, shaping an impactful summer for all involved.
I wish all of you the best summer possible and look forward to sharing what we get up to!
