A charity that aims to support ‘at risk’ children and adults through the power of football brought the beautiful game to the iconic Abbey Road studios.

Street Soccer London provide free football programmes for players of all ages across the city. Working primarily in Lambeth, as well as work in Southwark, Wandsworth, Hackney and Brixton, the programmes focus on bringing the community closer together to engage in sport in a safe space.

Their ‘Raise the Game’ Gala event, in partnership with tech-wealth management fund Y Tree, was delivered to allow guests to gain a deeper understanding of what sort of impact football is having on the lives of their players, staff and volunteers. The event featured fundraising activities in an exciting range of auction lots, as well as first-class entertainment from Heather Small, Eloise Voila & Scouting for Girls.

British soul legend Heather Small and local pop talent Eloise Voila opened the event with exciting musical performances, whilst three-time BRIT award winners, Scouting for Girls, ended the night with an emphatic set before setting of for the Isle of Wight Festival.

The charity aim to use football as a vehicle to change lives in boroughs where youth crime rates are amongst the worst in London. In 2022, there was a 20% increase in youth crime rates and Street Soccer aim to be part of the solution in creating an inclusive and welcoming community.

Weekly Street Soccer sessions provide structure, routine and purpose for players and allow them to access support services. With a range of programmes supporting youth football, girl’s football, refugees and those with additional support needs, Street Soccer London are creating a positive impact within the local community and aim to develop this work further.

Street Soccer London’s founder and CEO, David Duke, highlighted the impact that the event is expected to have on their community based programmes.

“ There’s been an incredible amount of work that has went into this event and we’ve been delighted with the support we’ve received. The event showcases the achievement of our players and the dedication of the staff and volunteers who make it happen on a weekly basis.

The ‘Raise the Game’ event also allows us to reach even more players in the community and provide access to new support networks and opportunity, in a time where we know that level of support is needed more than ever.”