Project: Football Plus and FA Play Safe: Supporting Development and Safeguarding Children in Football
Running time: In various forms since 2009. Funding from PL started in 2016
Where and when: Weekly at several venues in Islington (including The Arsenal Hub and Barnard Park)
Partners: Premier League and Professional Footballers Association, administered by Premier League Charitable Fund
Arsenal in the Community’s Football Plus programme is an example of how grassroots football can not only develop players’ skills but also create a positive, safe environment for young people. This project plays a vital role in promoting football among young participants while focusing on personal growth and social development.
As part of the FA’s Play Safe weekend, Arsenal in the Community is proud to champion safeguarding efforts in football. Our Play Safe weekend featured workshops for players, coaches and parents to focus on the importance of safeguarding within the sport.
Creating a safe environment where children can learn and play is our priority. Arsenal in the Community is committed to upholding strict safeguarding policies and fostering open communication between staff, coaches and families. We believe in providing a space where children can thrive, both on and off the pitch, without concerns about their safety or wellbeing. Through continuous safeguarding training, regular risk assessments and collaboration with parents, we aim to set the gold standard for youth football.
One of our Football Plus participants, Sophia, joined the programme through our holiday courses, and her father, Christian, has seen remarkable changes in her since then.
“Before joining, Sophia hadn’t played much football. She was involved in other activities but was always curious about the sport. The camaraderie, team spirit and confidence she has developed have been incredible to watch,” he says.
Sophia has become much more aware of what it means to be part of a team. She understands the importance of working together, and the bonds she has formed with her team-mates off the pitch has translated into unselfish play and constant encouragement on the pitch.
As a result – and as you will see in football at any level – the togetherness they’ve built off the field strengthens their performance when they’re playing.
“The support from the coaches and the safe environment they’ve created has allowed Sophia to truly flourish,” Christian says. “She has made new friends, sharpened her football skills and has grown emotionally, becoming more resilient and empathetic in her everyday life.”
Sophia has also taken part in multiple football camps to hone her skills in dribbling, passing and positioning. And one of her standout moments off the pitch was serving as a mascot for the Arsenal Women’s team ahead of their match against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in February – as you can see above.
“Walking onto the pitch with Lia Walti was incredible,” says Sophia. “I was nervous, but she made me feel so comfortable. We even got to visit the changing rooms and meet the players as they arrived."
This moment greatly boosted her confidence, and her involvement in football has opened the door to new friendships, with team-mates celebrating each other’s achievements on and off the pitch.
Sophia takes great pride in representing Arsenal in the Community. “When I’m in my full kit, people sometimes stop me in the street to high-five or fist bump me, and that makes me really happy,” she says.
She has also attended three football camps, including a goalkeeping session and two focused on football skills such as passing and shooting. Sophia even had the chance to be coached by Arsenal Women manager Jonas Eidevall at The Arsenal Hub, where she learned new skills in a session that also featured a surprise appearance from Gunnersaurus.
With initiatives like Football Plus and the focus on safeguarding through Play Safe, Arsenal in the Community continues to make a lasting difference in young players’ lives.
For more information email Billie Graham at bgraham@arsenal.co.uk (girls teams) or Danny Siggers at dsiggers@arsenal.co.uk (boys teams).
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