Community football programme

for young people

We’re working with GOALS UK to deliver a community football programme for young people in London. 

What it offers 

This free programme lasts nine weeks and runs throughout the year. 

It blends football training with fire safety education and career mentoring, all delivered by firefighters.  

It encourages young people to prioritise their fitness, safety and futures. 

Who’s running the programme 

This programme is delivered by two firefighters – Station Officer John Chinnery and Sub Officer Kristopher Barry. Both are FA-qualified football coaches with years of experience. 

Programme structure 

This isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ programme. It’s tailored to support every young person’s skills and individual needs. 

The programme starts with a single taster session with a presentation about London Fire Brigade. If your young people enjoy it and want more, we’ll kick off the full programme.  

Each session focuses on a different value, including integrity, adaptability and teamwork. Our firefighters spend around 40 minutes talking about: 

  • what that value means 
  • what it looks like in everyday life 
  • what it looks like at London Fire Brigade 
  • how it applies to football.  

The rest of the day is spent on the pitch, developing football skills and having fun. 

During term-time, sessions are usually once a week, but we’ll work with you to come up with something that fits in with your schedule. Whether that’s evening sessions, or weekends if needed. 

Firefighter talking to children in front of a fire engine.

Where it takes place 

If you have your own football facilities – great, we’ll come to you. But if you don’t, our partners at GOALS are giving us access to some of their venues in  London. These provide first-rate football facilities and space for education and mentoring.  

Who can attend 

You’re eligible to attend if you’re supporting 11-18 year olds at a London: 

  • School 
  • Youth club 
  • Community group 
  • Football club or academy 

Find out more and sign up 

If you think your school, club, group or academy would like to take part, or if you just want to find out more, email LFBfootballsection@london-fire.gov.uk 

GOALS holiday programmes

GOALS UK also runs activity and food programmes for young people receiving free school meals during the school holidays. To see if there are any in your area check your local council website or GOALS website in the run-up to the school holidays.