In partnership with Black Prince Trust, Powerleague, Fulham Foundation and Hillsong UK, London FA has been working to increase professional development opportunities for the local and wider community.

As part of this work, an FA Level 1 in Coaching Football course was delivered by London FA tutor Dr Colin King to asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. Over the course of the course, a strong rapport between tutor and participants was formed, which in turn enabled each participant to develop as individuals.

The workshop focused on enabling refugees to deliver engaging football sessions for other young refugees, whilst also giving them a chance to develop themselves through coaching skills. This in turn aided personal development in confidence, understanding of English and football culture in the United Kingdom. In addition, it will help young people to access employment opportunities in future.

This is an extremely important area of work as, every year, the UK sees between 3-4,000 unaccompanied minors seek asylum in the country. It provides a chance for these young individuals to network in the UK, where they can feel safe and confident.

In what was a fantastic partnership with Black Prince Trust, Powerleague, Fulham Foundation and Hillsong UK, which will help to support the local refugee community and give participants access to a course that they may not otherwise have been able to.

Please click here to read a full case study of the Level 1 course authored by Jack Thompson, Football Development Officer for Black Prince Trust and Powerleague.