LONDON, UK – Friday 14 August 2026 – More than 90 young people came together at New River Sports Centre, N22, for Empower Through Football, a community initiative using the power of sport to connect the next generation with mentoring, financial education, positive role models and new opportunities.
The one-day programme was delivered by The Community, Corporate and Culture Group CIC (CCC) and Thru Life CIC, bringing together young people, businesses, community organisations, sporting figures, artists and media personalities for a day designed to make an impact far beyond the football pitch.
At the centre of the programme was a competitive football tournament for boys and girls aged 14–18, with teams progressing through group stages and knockout rounds before competing in the final.
But football was only part of the story.
Throughout the day, young people took part in financial upskilling, mentoring and personal development, while also having the opportunity to engage directly with professionals and leaders from sectors and backgrounds they may not ordinarily encounter.
The event was supported by volunteers from Goldman Sachs, who were assigned to teams and spent the day mentoring, encouraging and supporting the young participants.
One young person summed up the impact of that interaction:
“It was great to see someone from the corporate world standing with us and cheering us on. I’ve never seen that at any of my games before.”
The programme also welcomed a host of special guests who gave their time to support and inspire the young people, including Mark Blake, Leader of Haringey Council; former professional footballer and Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff; award-winning artist Wretch 32; and leading sports journalist Darren Lewis.
Music and creativity were also central to the atmosphere, with young people given the opportunity to showcase their talents through live music and DJing, ensuring the event celebrated youth culture alongside sport, education and development.
Bringing Different Worlds Together
Mahari Hay, Founder and CEO of The Community, Corporate and Culture Group CIC, said: “Empower Through Football represents exactly what we believe in at CCC – bringing community, corporate and culture together in a way that creates genuine opportunities for people.”
“Football may have brought everyone through the gates, but what happened around the pitch was just as important. Young people were speaking with mentors, learning about money, meeting professionals, seeing positive role models and being encouraged to think about what is possible for their futures.”
Richard Allicock, Co-Founder Thru Life CIC said: “When a young person tells you they have never had someone from the corporate world standing on the touchline cheering them on before, that tells you why simply showing up matters. More than 90 young people experienced that on Friday, and our ambition is to build on this and reach many more.”
Jobi McAnuff, Thru Life Ambassador said: “Football has always had the power to bring people together, and that’s exactly what this event was about. Seeing the community, businesses and people from different walks of life come together in Haringey was really special. It’s about creating opportunities, sharing knowledge and showing the next generation what’s possible when a community comes together.”
The initiative reflects a growing focus on creating community programmes that go beyond one-off activities and instead expose young people to networks, knowledge and opportunities that can have a lasting influence on their lives.
The collaboration between CCC and Thru Life was designed to combine the universal appeal of football with practical development and meaningful interaction between young people and professionals.
The day concluded with the tournament final, a volunteer penalty shootout and presentations celebrating the young people who had taken part.
For CCC and Thru Life, the ambition is for the programme to become part of a wider movement around using sport and culture to create pathways into education, employment, mentoring and opportunity.
More than 90 young people took part. But the measure of success was about much more than numbers – it was about who they met, what they learned and what they may now believe is possible.
About The Community, Corporate and Culture Group CIC
The Community, Corporate and Culture Group CIC is a social impact organisation focused on connecting the worlds of community, corporate organisations and culture to create greater recognition, access to opportunity and lasting legacy.
Through initiatives including the Community, Corporate and Culture Awards (CCC Awards) and community programmes such as Empower Through Football, CCC creates platforms that celebrate unsung heroes while building meaningful connections between businesses, communities and the next generation.
About Thru Life CIC
Thru Life CIC is a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting people to overcome barriers, build confidence, and create positive opportunities for their future. Through practical support, guidance, activities, and community engagement, Thru Life CIC aims to empower individuals to develop new skills, improve their wellbeing, and become more connected within their communities. At the heart of the organisation is a commitment to making a meaningful and lasting difference, ensuring that people feel supported throughout life’s challenges and have access to opportunities that can help them move forward.
Images Courtesy of TGFX Media
