COUNCILOR usaama kaweesa TAKES TO THE SKIES FOR AFC WIMBLEDON FOUNDATION!

Recently, Councilor Usaama Kaweesa took to the skies for AFC Wimbledon Foundation - completing a thrilling skydive to raise vital funds for our community programmes.

Usaama’s daring jump from 15,000 feet was inspired by his passion for supporting young people across Merton and beyond. Speaking after the jump, he said:

“What can I say, there is honestly nothing like it. I have to be honest I was pretty nervous waiting for my turn but more excited than scared and doing it for a good cause kept me calm. The support from friends, family, colleagues and even kind strangers who backed my fundraiser meant this was about them and about the children the Foundation helps to get time away from the estates, try sport, make friends, build confidence and try new things. The free fall was electric and the view over Netheravon was unreal. I could see the River Avon, Stonehenge and even the Isle of Wight. The first step was scary but once the parachute opened it was pure peace. I am so glad I did it...”

Alongside his fundraising efforts, Councilor Usaama joined us at this year’s Trinity Cup, a long-standing Wandsworth schools tournament held at Trinity Fields and delivered in partnership between AFC Wimbledon Foundation and the Trinity Playing Fields Trust.

The Trinity Cup has been a celebrated local event for over 20 years, and for the past six years, the Foundation has proudly supported its continued growth. Originally an invite-only, boys-only competition, it has evolved into a more inclusive and accessible tournament for schools across Wandsworth. This year, we welcomed over 198 pupils from more than 10 schools, with separate boys’ and girls’ tournaments held on consecutive days.

The competition continues to grow in both quality and reputation, from having qualified referees officiating matches to offering regional and national pathways for winning teams. Fundraisers like the Skydive Challenge, allows us to fund vital programmes like this one.

Councillor Kaweesa’s visit offered an opportunity to see firsthand the impact that such events have on local children, and to talk about the wonderful other work we also do across Merton. It also gave an opportunity for him to see how fundraisers like the Skydive raise vital funds for programmes across Wandsworth & Merton.

AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s Senior Community & Engagement Officer, Olivia Cramsie, said:

“It was fantastic to have Councilor Usaama both take part in the skydive challenge and visit our Trinity Cup tournament. His enthusiasm for supporting young people’s access to sport and community opportunities really reflects the spirit of what we do. We’re excited to continue building links across both Wandsworth and Merton to help even more young people thrive.”

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Councilor Usaama for his incredible efforts and to everyone who supported his fundraiser. Together, we’re helping to ensure that every young person across Merton & Wandsworth has the chance to play, grow, and belong.