How we help young carers follow their football dreams

A simple intervention by Carers Support Merton has enabled one football-loving young carer to follow his passion.  He in turn, has inspired us to lend other deserving young people our support.

See his story below

‘Jack’ is a football-loving young carer, but despite his passion for the game his family don’t have the capacity and resources to help him to make his mark on the pitch.

In 2019, Carers Support Merton secured a spot for Jack on AFC Wimbledon’s summer programme. It has proved to be a transformative intervention. His talent and commitment didn’t go unnoticed at AFC Wimbledon and as a result, we were able to secure him a place on his local Sunday League youth team along with the cost of fees and boots so he could attend regular training sessions and matches throughout the season.

“Jack was on fire at training this week.”  Youth league manager, September 2020

This summer, when his youth team manager contacted Carers Support Merton to ask about funding to help him get some new boots and pay the fees for the upcoming season, the Foundation were pleased to be able to continue sponsoring Jack (and three other young people).

Our intervention has given these young people the opportunity to play for a team and be part of a wider community which is essential for their personal development. Here they feel valued not only for their skills and talent but also for who they are as people.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with these young people and seeing their talents and passions for football grow and develop.