The Battersea Power Station Foundation is an organisation which fund projects to support local communities, create new opportunities and make neighbourhoods even better places to live. 

David Crilly, a coach and youth worker for Westside FC and the Devas Club, shared how the Battersea Power Station Foundation’s supported the club and his community work: 

“[The Foundation’s] support for last season helped us to support, subsidise and develop the Westside U12 and U14 girls training sessions at Falcon Park as well as competitive matches in the London County Saturday Youth Football League (LCSYFL).” 

One of the players shared her gratitude by saying: “Thank you so much for letting us play football at such great pitches, they never let the girls play football at our school!”

The funding made sure that money is not a barrier to participation. 

David also noted how Westside FC have: “also worked with the LCSYFL to develop the U10, 12, 14 and 16 girls’ divisions which had 5 teams each before lockdown.” 

The Westside Ladies team were celebrating a run of wins before the COVID-19 lockdown caused the season to be voided. However, as David remarked: “Westside FC were able to deliver online training sessions in support of these young player’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing during this difficult time. This was further supported with Outreach lead by Devas in the Battersea area.” 

London FA were able to facilitate a Level 2 in Coaching course with Devas and Westside where 22 participants, 11 boys and 11 girls, took part.

Since the course ran, there has been 13 completions (seven girls and six boys), many of which have now taken coaching roles and support roles within the club and Devas.

Others have gone on to gain employment in various clubs and organisations, contributing to the ever-growing workforce. 

David shared that one young lady, when asked by her younger sister: "What have these coaching qualifications done for you,” replied “Let’s just say they have made my life a lot easier.” 

For information about the Battersea Power Station Foundation, please visit their website here.

To find out more about Westside FC, you can check out their website or follow them on Twitter @WestsideFc_.