Addressing and identifying key parenting and wellbeing issues for young fathers.

In partnership with LEAP (Lambeth Early Action Partnership), we combined our ‘Elders’ 16-25 football scheme with a programme of activities for young fathers from Lambeth. The Game of Two Halves programme addressed and identified key parenting and wellbeing issues for young fathers and provided insight into the most effective mode of delivery for young fathers. As a direct result of this programme, we set up our first ever SMFC Seniors team, playing in the Southern Sunday League, and a Seniors B team the following season. This has proved to be a great advert for our younger participants who now see a long-term pathway at SMP and is of particular interest to young men disillusioned with football after having been released from academies.

I always thank them for everything I’ve done and for what they’ve done for me…they’re always talking to you. Every single one of them, I’d trust them no matter what.