"I want to make a change and help local young people develop a love and interest in football and also sport as a whole.”
 - Participant, Banbury Mosque

Banbury Mosque is situated between two of Banbury’s most deprived neighbourhoods and actively engages with the community. In response to recent tragedies and concerns about criminal influence on young people, the mosque started providing young people with activities after school.

With our support, the mosque turned a casual football kickabout into structured sessions and provided the local young people with a community hub.

Mentored by coaches from Oxford United, five young people also completed England Football Learning's "Introductions to Coaching" qualification. The group were even lucky enough to enjoy a funded trip to St George's Park, the home of the EnglandFootball team.

Looking forward, these young people will eventually pursue UEFA C licenses and lead their own community clubs.

One young person said:

“I have always had a passion and love for football. I started playing from a young age and as I got older realised there are not many players and coaches of my background. I want to make a change and help local young people develop a love and interest in football and also sport as a whole.”

Banbury Mosque’s story highlights the social good that can be uncovered in communities when young people are given the right tools and empowered to enact positive change.