Peckham Town FC joined in support to the Damilola Taylor Trust 'Hope 2020 campaign' on Saturday 10 October. 

Damilola Taylor, before his untimely death in Peckham on 27 November 2000, wrote of his hope to change the world. The 20th anniversary campaign is dedicated to young people and their aspirational stories of ambition and hope. The kind of young person Damilola was turning into. 

Damilola’s father, Richard Taylor OBE, attended the match against Stansfeld (O&B) FC to unveil the new 10m banner that demonstrates the club’s support to Black Lives Matter. He also delivered a speech on Peckham’s support for the Hope2020 campaign, seeking to shine a light on the positive contributions of young people and reduce violence within communities. The event was a poignant reminder of how community football can bring people together to support vital causes. 

The banner and event was made possible by the kind sponsorship of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Rio was born and raised in Peckham, so supporting this event was a natural fit. The Foundation and Peckham Town FC share a similar ethos, as both seek to support young people to be independent, take control of their lives and achieve their full potential.

Andrew Ducille, Head of London programmes for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, said “We are proud to be involved with Peckham Town FC in supporting both Black Lives Matter and the Hope 2020 campaign here in Southwark, and its fantastic to see local clubs supporting these important causes. The ethos of Peckham Town in supporting young people and communities reflects our own, and we see this as a start of a longer term partnership between the club and the Foundation."

Bryan Hall, Chairman of Peckham Town FC, said “We have a rich history of supporting young people in Peckham fulfil their potential, and naturally young black people are a big part of that. The Black Lives Matter movement has had a big impact on me and our club this year. Change is well overdue, and I hope that the movement is the beginning of a journey. The Hope 2020 campaign is an important part of this. I am pleased that we can do our little bit to keep the momentum going.”

Peckham Town played some of the best football of their season so far. Fans witness a 5-0 victory over Stansfeld, with Peckham Town 3-0 up at half time. Keeper George Legg saved a late penalty for Stansfeld, but it was Peckham’s day and the fittingly celebrated under their new banner. 

You can read the press release prior to the unveiling of the banner here. 

Full match report can be found here and the full report of the day can be found here.