Participants from Brentford FC Community Sports Trust's Street Soccer programme celebrated their graduation at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub.

Brentford FC ambassador, Marcus Gayle, was there to congratulate the participants who over the last five weeks have been committing themselves to twice-weekly football sessions.

The sessions combined football coaching with communication skills with class-based education and development workshops.

Graduates received their very own Brentford FC Street Soccer kit which they wore in a tournament against other foundations across the country at West Ham United's, London stadium on 19 November.

Aimed at 17-25 year-olds who are either unemployed, living in sheltered or temporary accommodation the Street Soccer Academy programme provided an opportunity for participants to positively change their future prospects.

Street Soccer Academy is a free five-week programme aimed at the personal development of 17-25 year-olds who are eithereither unemployed, living in sheltered or temporary accommodation (credit: Brentford FC Community Sports Trust).

Scott Southgate, Youth and Community Project Coordinator said, "We have been working together for the last five weeks delivering a programme made up of ten sessions.

"One side of it is football coaching to work on soft skills around communication and teamwork. The other half is classroom-based activity focused on interventions with wellbeing, mental health, resilience, positive mindset, employability and so on.

"The enthusiasm and commitment from the group has been fantastic to see. The course has given the participants a purpose and they have enjoyed coming together as part of a team.

"The skills learnt over the last month are transferable and they can take these forward with them in their future lives."

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