A Celebration Of Our Year
The Football Journeys November Showcase was a standout moment in our calendar and a powerful reflection of the programme’s impact over the year. The event brought together trustees, funders, parents, teachers and friends of Football Journeys, offering an opportunity to experience the programme through the voices of the young people at its core. Throughout the evening, students shared their individual journeys and highllights with confidence, honesty and maturity, giving the audience an insight into their experiences.
What made the Showcase particularly impactful was the openness with which the young people spoke. They went above and beyond expectations, answering questions thoughtfully and confidently, and demonstrating not only their personal growth but also the safe, supportive environment Football Journeys provides. Their ability to articulate challenges, achievements and aspirations resonated with those in attendance.
The evening was a testament to the commitment of the young people and the dedication of the Football Journeys team who support them throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in delivering such a successful Showcase, and grateful to our wider community for their continued support. Moments like these reinforce why our work matters and motivate us as we look ahead to the year to come.
Strategic Impact Through Football & Film: Your 2026 Partnership Opportunity
Empower the Next Generation. Elevate Your Corporate Legacy
At Football Journeys, we believe that the intersection of sport and storytelling is a powerful catalyst for social change. As we look toward 2026, we are inviting industry-leading organisations to join us in a unique mission: using the universal languages of football and film to dismantle barriers, foster inclusion, and equip young people with the soft skills needed for the future of work.
By partnering with us, your organisation doesn't just "support a cause", you actively invest in the social mobility and leadership potential of diverse youth across London.
Why Partner with Football Journeys in 2026?
Measurable ESG & CSR Impact: Integrate your brand into high-impact school programmes and cross-community initiatives that provide tangible data on youth development and social cohesion.
Narrative Excellence: Leverage our unique "Film" pillar. Our in-house production team documents the journey, providing your company with high-quality, authentic storytelling assets to showcase your commitment to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
Employee Engagement & Purpose: Offer your staff meaningful volunteer opportunities, from guest-speaking in workshops to mentoring young people in leadership and digital literacy.
Let’s Build the Future Together
Whether through workshop collaboration, hosting immersive "Industry Days" at your offices, or strategic sponsorship, your involvement will define the 2026 season of impact.
Last Words From FJ Team
As a fundraiser who mainly focuses on trusts and foundations, this year has been tough! It's always been competitive but in my 11+ year career I don't think it's ever felt this difficult. On the positive side, we've done so much strategic work over the past 12 months and have raised more than ever before from non-trusts sources, no small feat in the current climate!
Chloe Booth Fundraiser
I joined Football Journeys in May 2025 with a focus on strengthening operations to support sustainable growth. By implementing new systems and automations, we’ve streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and enabled the team to focus more on impact.
As we continue to grow, our new focus is on deeper collaboration within the wider community, working alongside partners, and local organisations to expand our reach and create even greater opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and break down barriers through shared experiences.
Renee Fontaine Head of Operations
This year has been a defining one for my work with Football Journeys, marked by growth and highlights throughout the programme. One of my biggest highlights was seeing our highest-ever number of ambassadors consistently turn up for events over the school holidays, which demonstrates the connections they have made with their peers on the programme alongside those with their coaches. Their commitment was shown in an exceptional showcase event that they largely led themselves, from speaking confidently in front of an audience full of adults to answering questions with honesty and maturity. Alongside this, we successfully expanded our delivery programme into new schools across London, allowing us to reach more young people and strengthen our presence across different communities. I now look forward to returning into schools in the new year to deliver the football side of the programme in 2026.
Max Lufkin Coach
Football, Boxing, and a Whole Lot of Heart
They say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." In 2025, the fundraising world definitely got tough, but our team responded by running 5ks, kicking footballs, and, in Chloe’s case, literally getting into a boxing ring.
I want to start with a massive thank you to our staff. Navigating this year has felt like a marathon at times, but your dedication to keeping our work at the highest level hasn’t wavered, even when the "circumstances" felt a little too stretched for comfort.
Our highlights reel this year is a bit wild: we had the family fun day, a very competitive football tournament in May, Ian’s incredible "5k per day for 50 days" challenge, and Chloe’s white-collar boxing debut. It’s this spirit, this willingness to go the extra mile (literally), that has allowed us to grow our corporate and individual donor base, giving us much-needed stability. Special shoutouts to our corporate partners at Academia , you guys are legends.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re ready to double down. We want to reach even more schools, foster more curiosity, and create more opportunities for our young people to shine. To our incredible funders, including John Lyon’s Charity, Go! London, and Garfield Weston, thank you for keeping the lights on and the vision alive. Now, if we could just convince a few more of you to join in and support our mission, it would certainly make the winter feel a lot warmer!🙂
Finally, a huge thank you to all our participants and parents. Your energy, trust, and support are the heartbeat of everything we do. I wish you all a wonderful festive break and a very Happy New Year. We can’t wait to see you all on the other side!
Carlos Salvador, CEO