How we changed lives in 2024
As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a look back on how we supported local people over the last 12 months.
Since January, we’ve reached more than 32,000 people across Sussex through one of our programmes.
Our work stretches across the full length and breadth of Sussex, with BHAFC Foundation coaches and tutors working in 92 cities, towns, and villages across the county.
Read on to discover how our work changed lives in 2024.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Our tireless delivery staff have been working harder than ever, providing an incredible 14,500 sessions in the past 12 months.
From schools and football pitches to youth centres and community venues, every session has been a meaningful opportunity to shape the futures of young people throughout our region.
- Premier League Kicks – Premier League Kicks is a programme that provides free football sessions, mentoring, and training to children in areas of high need. In the past year, around 1,600 local children have joined us at a PL Kicks session.
- BHAFC Soccer Schools – Through Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer Schools, hundreds of children all over Sussex are able to have their first experiences of playing organised football. In the past 12 months, around 3,500 youngsters have joined in a BHAFC Soccer Schools session.
- Premier League Primary Stars and Inspires – Our tutors work in around 150 local schools, delivering Premier League-funded lessons that teach skills including numeracy, literacy, self-confidence, employability, and more.
- Disability football – We are one of the biggest providers of disability football in the region. More than 600 people took part in a disability football session last year; we run inclusive sessions open to all, as well as disability-specific sessions and a talent pathway for players looking to compete nationally.
- Football pathway – For youngsters who are serious about a future in the game, our Football Pathway programme is there to help them develop their talent. Last year, nearly 2,000 young girls and boys were a part of the football pathway, being taught weekly by our UEFA-qualified coaches.
STARS IN THE COMMUNITY
We’re supported by the club in plenty of ways, and we are grateful for the time players across the men’s, women’s and academy teams have provided to meet our participants this year.
In the last 12 months we’ve had hundreds of player appearances across a range of activities – Albion players have shown a real desire to get involved and champion our work.
Specifically, we are grateful to our new squad of ambassadors for the current season of Joel Veltman, Georginio Rutter, Matt O’Riley, Jack Hinshelwood, Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris, Madison Haley, Pauline Bremer and Vicky Losada, alongside club legends Bobby Zamora and Guy Butters, as well as long-standing club supporter Fatboy Slim.
We’ve had too many player appearances to list, but highlights from the year include:
- Bart Verbruggen and Dejana Stefanovic getting involved at a Premier League Kicks free football session in Whitehawk
- Fran Kirby and Joel Veltman meeting girls at an after-school club at Davison High School in Worthing
- Carlos Baleba and Simon Adingra getting stuck in during a family fun day for participants in our disability football programme
COMMUNITY HUB
At the start of the year, we opened our brand new Community Hub in Brighton.
The Community Hub is a space for local people to meet, enjoy some tasty food and drinks, and learn more about the Foundation.
The space is also used to host a growing programme of activities. Already, we’ve hosted a series of family fun days and family cooking classes which have been a big success.
In the new year, we’ll offer even more sessions for even more local people. Thanks to new Premier League PFA funding, we’ll introduce a range of additional activities in the hub and throughout the community.
These initiatives will focus on promoting the health and wellbeing of families, helping us make an even greater impact in the months ahead.
LOCAL RECOGNITION
This year the Foundation was granted Freedom of the City, alongside the club, by Brighton & Hove City Council in recognition of exceptional service to the local community. The ceremonial honour recognises the club’s historic sporting achievements and outstanding contribution to the city.
Councillors highlighted the many community and charity contributions Albion has made to Brighton and Hove, as well as the team’s progress on the pitch including our first European campaign last season.
The Foundation is specifically named as part of this honour, and Paul Barber recently received the award on behalf of the club and Foundation from Council Leader Bella Sankey.
HOW TO HELP US
How can you support people in Sussex and help break down barriers to accessing football?
The best way to support the charity is by becoming a Community Champion. Community Champions are fans who commit to donate a small amount to the charity every month.
You can also show your support by coming along to a Foundation event (quiz nights, dinners, fun runs, and more), volunteering, leaving a gift in your will, raising money through your own fundraising challenge, and much more.
If you want to find out how you can support us, please email fundraising@bhafcfoundation.org.uk.
Thank you once again for all your support this season – here’s to another life-changing year in 2025!
Matt Dorn, BHAFC Foundation CEO