Community
Posted: 29.Oct.2014
This weekend, E20 Football Academy hosted its first ever tournament at Chobham Academy, attended by young people aged between 6 and 16 that live in East Village, London’s newest community.
Founded this summer by two East Village parents, one of whom is employed by West Ham United as a coach, the E20 Football Academy has grown exponentially and now attracts over 70 young local people each week. Training, provided by professional coaches on Chobham Academy’s brand new grounds, is completely free and open to residents and the wider local community alike.
With financial support from Triathlon Homes and Get Living London, who own and manage all homes at the Village, E20 Football Academy is set to grow further, cementing its position as a key community hub.
Members of the Academy have already seen huge successes with several scouted for West Ham United’s youth team, and others participating in trials.
Jonathan Silman, co-founder of the Academy, said: “We’ve been stunned by the popularity of the Academy, which started earlier this summer off the back of a couple of informal kick-abouts in Victory Park with my son. After we were approached by other parents and kids looking to take part, we decided to set up something more official, which we’ve been able to do with the help of funds provided by Triathlon Homes and Get Living London. It’s been a huge success!”
Tim Lovett, Community Development Manager for Triathlon Homes, said: “The E20 Football Academy is a great example of how we’re working with residents to support community activities. We want to bring huge benefits to young people in the local area and what better than to do this and make the most of the green space at the Village.”
Neil Young, Chief Executive Officer at Get Living London, said: “East Village is the former Athletes’ Village for London 2012 and we want to grow the next batch of Olympians right here! We’re looking forward to watching the E20 Football Academy flourish among the families that live here and are really thrilled to support such a fantastic community project.”