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About the NATIONAL Street Soccer Academy Programme
What is the Street Soccer Academy Programme?
The Street Soccer Academy is a nationally acclaimed personal development programme that uses the power of football to engage vulnerable and homeless young people. The programme combines football coaching with life skills training, mentorship, and personal development workshops to help young participants gain confidence, improve their mental and physical well-being, and work towards sustainable independence. It has become the UK’s No.1 football-led project tackling youth homelessness.
How does the Street Soccer Academy support young people?
The Academy provides a structured programme that includes football training, personal development workshops, mentoring, and employability sessions. These activities help young participants develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience. The programme also offers practical support, such as help with securing accommodation, education, and employment opportunities.
What types of vulnerable young people are eligible for the programme?
The programme is designed for young people aged 18-30 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those who may be living in hostels, shelters, or temporary accommodation. It also supports young people facing various social challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues, or a lack of access to education or training.
How are participants selected for the Academy programme?
Young participants are typically referred to the Foundation and the Academy programme by local authorities, social services, homeless shelters, and other charity partners. Each individual undergoes an assessment to ensure they are ready and committed to the programme. The selection process is designed to be inclusive and supportive, with a focus on those who would most benefit from the intervention.
What does a typical session look like for a participant in the Academy?
A typical session in the Academy would include a 90-minute football training session, delivered alongside a personal development workshop focussing on a key theme of the week, whether that be resilience, confidence, positive thinking, or self-belief. As the young person progresses through the Academy, sessions will move towards a ‘light touch’ on employability skills training.
A young person may also be involved in a one-to-one mentoring session. The overarching aim of each session is to provide a balanced mix of physical activity, learning, and personal support to help young participants grow in confidence each week and build the life skills needed for their future success.
About 'The Big Goal' Campaign
What is 'The Big Goal' campaign?
‘The Big Goal’ is an award-winning nationwide campaign created by the Street Soccer Foundation to engage companies and individuals in supporting vulnerable and homeless young people through the nationally acclaimed ‘Street Soccer Academy’. By signing up for The Big Goal campaign, companies can sponsor groups of young people to join the Street Soccer Academy, thereby directly contributing to their development and future prospects – and join a collective movement to help eradicate youth homelessness in the UK.
How can companies participate in 'The Big Goal'?
Companies can participate by signing up on The Big Goal website to sponsor young people through the Academy programme. Sponsorship serves as an annual membership of The Big Goal with memberships starting from just £295 per month, allowing companies of all sizes to get involved. Additionally, companies can further engage staff by entering a 5-a-side team into The Big Goal National Football Tournament, as well as volunteer to become a trained Mentor to further support sponsored young people and the overarching cause.
What are the benefits for companies supporting 'The Big Goal'?
By supporting and being a part of ‘The Big Goal’, companies demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and positive community social impact. This can enhance corporate reputation, engage employees through meaningful community involvement, and provide opportunities for brand visibility and networking. Furthermore, companies directly contribute to changing the lives of vulnerable young people, making a tangible difference in society.
Are there different sponsorship levels available for companies?
Yes, ‘The Big Goal’ campaign offers two membership options to accommodate different company sizes and sponsorship budgets. Annual membership of The Big Goal is secured through a chosen plan (Exclusive or Non-Exclusive), starting from as little as £295 per month to sponsor five young lives through the Street Soccer Academy. Every member of The Big Goal – whether on the Exclusive Plan or Non-Exclusive Plan, will also have the opportunity to enter at least one team into The Big Goal National Football Tournament each year, supported by Sky Sports.
Impact and Outcomes
What impact does the Academy programme have on young people?
The Academy programme has a proven transformative impact on young participants, helping them to gain confidence, improve their mental health, and develop essential life and employability skills. Many course graduates go on to secure further education or training. Some will also obtain employment within 3-6 months of graduating the programme. By also addressing previous relationship breakdowns, a high percentage of young people are also able to move out of homelessness and secure stable housing. Fundamentally, the vast majority of those who complete the Street Soccer Academy significantly improve their life prospects and reduce their risk of future homelessness.
How is the success of the Academy programme measured?
Success is measured through a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics, including the completion of impact questionnaires at 3, 6 and 12 months following their course completion. The Foundation monitors the number of young participants who secure a ‘pathway progression’ – whether this achievement is education, further training, or employment; and also measures improvements in mental and physical well-being. The Foundation also tracks long-term outcomes to assess the sustained impact of the Academy programme on young participants’ lives.
Can companies receive updates on the progress of the young people they sponsor?
Yes, on request companies can receive updates on the progress of the young people they have sponsored. This can include impact reports detailing individual achievements, milestones, and personal stories, as well as updates on how their support has made a real difference. Companies on the Exclusive Plan are also invited to attend their sponsored Academy hub where they can meet young participants and see the Academy programme in action.
After Graduation: What Happens Next?
What happens when young people graduate from the Academy programme?
Upon graduation, young participants receive a certificate of completion and are supported in transitioning to the next phase of their lives, whether that be continuing education or further training, securing a work placement or job, or finding and achieving stable housing. The Foundation also offers on-going mentorship and support to ensure graduates have the best chance of long-term success.
Do graduates receive any additional support after completing the programme?
Yes, through the Foundation’s national ‘Club Community Organisation’ (CCO) partner network, graduates are offered continued support which provides access to on-going mentorship, job placement services, and other programmes and resources. This helps graduates maintain the momentum they gained during the Academy programme and ensures they have a safety net as they navigate their next new pathways.
The Foundation also has an Ambassador network of selected young people who serve as an alumni and who can meet with course graduates to further support their next steps following their Academy completion.
Are there opportunities for graduates to stay involved with the Street Soccer Foundation?
Absolutely. Academy graduates are encouraged to stay connected with the Foundation as Ambassadors, possible mentors, or volunteers. Many graduates find that staying involved helps them build a positive support network and gives them the chance to give back to the community that supported them.
Can companies hire graduates from the programme?
Yes, companies are encouraged to consider hiring graduates from the Academy programme – particularly those companies on the Exclusive Plan. The young people who complete the Academy programme are equipped with valuable skills and a strong work ethic, making them excellent candidates for various roles. Companies on the Exclusive Plan interested in hiring Academy graduates can connect with the Foundation to receive support in facilitating employment placements.
General Questions
How is the Street Soccer Foundation funded?
The Foundation is funded through a combination of corporate sponsorships, individual donations, grants, and fundraising events. The support from companies participating in ‘The Big Goal’ campaign plays a vital role in sustaining the Academy programme and expanding its reach to more young people in need.
Can companies get involved in ways other than sponsorship?
Yes, companies can get involved in various ways, including hosting fundraising events, providing volunteer opportunities for their employees, donating equipment or resources, and offering internships or job placements for Academy graduates. The Foundation is always open to creative and meaningful partnerships that align with its mission to help eradicate youth homelessness.
How can companies learn more about the impact of their support?
Companies can review highlights of the outcomes achieved through their support via The Big Goal website, including case studies, success stories, and data on key metrics such as educational attainment and work attainment among programme participants. Additionally, companies are invited to attend events and workshops to see the programme in action and hear directly from the young people they are helping.
Who can we contact for more information or to get involved?
For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, companies can contact the Street Soccer Foundation’s Corporate Engagement Team via the contact details provided on The Big Goal website. The team is ready to answer any questions and help companies find the best way to get involved and make a meaningful impact.