Football Team

FC Stroudley – Community Football Team

FC Stroudley is a grassroots football club that proudly represents our organisation in the local league. The club provides young people with the opportunity to engage in structured sport, develop their skills, and be part of a positive and supportive team environment.

We currently run:

Under 12s Team
Under 10s Team

Through these teams, we aim to create a strong foundation for young players both in football and in life by promoting teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

Project Details

Training Day: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Marner Centre Pitch

Our weekly training sessions offer a safe, inclusive, and energetic space where young people can come together, stay active, and build friendships. Sessions focus on skill development, fitness, and enjoyment, ensuring every child feels engaged and valued.

League Match Days

Match Day: Every Saturday

Players take part in regular league fixtures, giving them the chance to apply their training in a competitive setting, represent their team, and experience the pride of match day football.

Why We Do It – The Need in Our Community

This project is about more than football, it’s about responding to the real challenges facing young people in London today.

Across London, youth vulnerability to crime and exploitation remains a serious issue:

  • The Children’s Commissioner has estimated that tens of thousands of young people in England are involved in or associated with gangs, with London being a key area of concern.
  • In London, violence against the person is the most common offence, with over 200,000 incidents recorded annually, many involving young people.
  • Metropolitan Police data shows that knife crime offences in London regularly exceed 10,000 cases per year, with a significant proportion involving individuals under 25.
  • Government reports estimate that thousands of children are exploited through “county lines” drug networks, with London acting as a major hub.
  • In boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, crime rates are above the London average, and drug-related offences remain a key concern.
  • Research shows that in London’s most deprived areas, drug and weapon offences can be up to 4 times higher than in less deprived communities.

Many children are drawn into these environments due to:

  • Peer pressure
  • Lack of opportunities
  • The search for belonging
  • The promise of money or status

Without positive outlets, some young people are at risk of being influenced by these negative pathways.

Outcome – What We Aim to Achieve

Through FC Stroudley, we aim to:

  • Reduce the risk of youth involvement in crime and exploitation
  • Improve physical and mental wellbeing through regular activity
  • Build confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills
  • Provide young people with positive role models and guidance
  • Create a sense of community, belonging, and purpose
  • Support young people in developing aspirations beyond football

Ultimately, this project is about giving young people the tools, support, and environment they need to grow into confident, positive individuals and make better life choices.