What We’re Doing

At SHOT, we believe football should be free and accessible to every child, no matter their background. Right now, too many kids are locked out of sport due to financial barriers, lack of facilities, and the rising cost of grassroots football.

That’s why we’re launching SHOT 500, a 10-week free football programme for c. 500 children across 18 locations. Every child will receive high-quality coaching, a free kit, and a safe place to play.

SHOT already provides football for hundreds of players every week. Now, we want to reach the children who need it most. This programme will make a bigger impact in the communities where opportunities are scarce and where the need for structured, safe sport has never been greater.

Your support will make this possible.

Why This Matters

Sport isn’t just a game. It’s a lifeline.

One in three children in the UK do not meet recommended activity levels. Children from low-income families are twice as likely to be inactive. Rising grassroots football costs mean thousands of kids are being priced out.

The lack of access to structured sport has wider consequences. Youth crime and anti-social behaviour are rising, with many children lacking positive environments. Mental health struggles in children are at an all-time high. Football builds confidence, friendships, and emotional resilience, but only if they have the chance to play.

Every £1 invested in community sport saves society £4 in policing, healthcare, and social services. A strong sports programme doesn’t just help children. It makes communities safer, healthier, and more connected.

This isn’t just about football. It’s about giving kids a better start in life.

Why 10 Weeks?

Research shows that 10 weeks is the benchmark for creating lasting habits and behavioural change.

It takes 66 days to form a new habit. A structured 10-week programme ensures kids stay engaged long enough for football to become part of their routine. Repetition builds confidence, helping children improve their skills, fitness, and teamwork. Sustained engagement reduces dropout rates, making sure kids stay active beyond the programme.

At the end of the 10 weeks, every child should have the option to continue playing, join a grassroots team, or stay engaged with SHOT football. This isn’t a one-off event. It’s the start of something bigger.

How We’ll Make It Happen

We are raising £35,000 to provide:

• Football for c. 500 kids, delivering 10 weeks of structured, high-quality coaching.
• Training for up to 36 coaches, upskilling local talent and creating new opportunities.
• Football kits for every child, removing financial barriers to participation and inclusion.
• Safe venues to play, ensuring every session takes place in a secure environment.
• Community engagement, reaching the children who need this the most.

Only £7 per child per week will cover coaching, facilities, and a full kit. Less than the cost of a takeaway, but enough to change a life.

Why SHOT?

SHOT already provides football for hundreds of players every week. We’ve seen the impact first-hand. Kids grow in confidence, make friends, and thrive when given the chance to play.

Now, we want to take that impact further, reaching the children who wouldn’t usually get a chance. This programme is about ensuring football is for everyone, not just those who can afford it.

How You Can Help

We need your support to make this happen.

• Make a pledge. Every donation, big or small, helps us reach more kids.
• Share this campaign. The more people we reach, the more impact we make.
• Offer rewards. If you’re a business, donate products or services to support the cause.
• Fundraise for us. Get involved by running your own challenge or event.

Together, we can break down barriers, build confidence, and change lives through football.

Let’s make football free and accessible for all. Take Your SHOT.

Testimonials: Real Impact, Real Stories

Noah’s Journey to Confidence

Noah had a rough start to life, battling sepsis and meningitis before his first birthday. At six, he became a young carer for his mum during lockdown and remains her primary carer. In 2022, he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues, making it difficult to find a team willing to accommodate his needs.

In September 2024, Noah’s life changed when he found SHOT. From the moment he joined, his confidence grew, and he finally had a safe, secure, and understanding environment where he could play football. SHOT gave him a place where he could be himself, make friends, and develop both his football and life skills.

"All he has ever wanted is to play football in a safe and understanding environment. Since joining SHOT, he has thrived. His self-confidence has increased, as have his football skills. You have created something really rather special where all children are included and allowed to be themselves playing a sport they love!"

Case Study 2: Holly’s Strength Through Sport

Holly, a determined 10-year-old, faces daily physical challenges due to a neuromuscular choristoma, a benign tumor wrapped around her sciatic nerve. This affects her movement, making running and coordination difficult. Despite her love for football, finding a place where she could fully participate was a struggle.

At SHOT, everything changed. The inclusive nature of the sessions allowed her to play at her own pace while being supported and encouraged. Through SHOT, she has built strength, improved her coordination, and gained independence.

"Thanks to SHOT, Holly has been able to join in activities that once felt out of reach for her. The community’s focus on inclusivity, encouragement, and adaptation has not only enhanced her physical abilities but also boosted her self-esteem and social interaction. We are incredibly grateful for the support and positive influence SHOT has had on Holly."

Case Study 3: Kaiden and Alyx’s Sense of Belonging

Kaiden has always struggled to feel part of a team due to his anxiety and ADHD. Before SHOT, his ideas and energy were often dismissed. At SHOT, it was different. He was encouraged, valued, and given the space to express himself while developing his focus and skills.

His younger brother, Alyx, is undiagnosed but awaiting assessment for autism. Despite his challenges, SHOT has provided a place where he is understood. If he feels overwhelmed, he is free to take a break, kick a ball on his own, or rejoin when he’s ready, always supported but never pressured.

"At SHOT, Kaiden feels involved, treated equally, and his ideas are praised and encouraged. His energy is allowed to flow naturally, and in return, his focus and skills are shining. Alyx is also understood. He is free to join in when he can and step out when he needs to. They assist him but also respect his space, and that has made all the difference."

Case Study 4: Riley’s Safe Space

Riley, 12, is autistic, has hearing loss, and no longer attends school. He has struggled with friendships and often felt like he didn’t belong. Finding social activities where he was accepted became harder as he got older.

At SHOT, none of that mattered. From his very first session, Riley was treated equally, and his disabilities were never seen as a barrier. He found a place where he wasn’t just included but welcomed and respected.

"At SHOT, it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, everyone is welcome. From Riley’s very first session, they have always treated him equally, and his disabilities have never been a problem. He has NEVER been made to feel any different to anyone else, and he absolutely loves his sessions."

More Testimonials

⭐ "SHOT is amazing at getting girls and boys interested in football and working as a team. They are building inclusive football spaces that encourage confidence and growth."

⭐ "Encouraging young people into football who do not have access to a team, motivating them, and—best of all—creating an environment where they have fun. The sessions have grown rapidly, showing the positive impact on those involved."

⭐ "SHOT provides a space for children to enjoy sport and be part of something bigger. My child has developed friendships, teamwork, and communication skills that have carried over into other areas of life."

⭐ "Everyone is treated fairly and included. It isn’t just about football. It’s about learning new skills, making new friends, and growing as individuals."

⭐ "My son looks forward to his SHOT sessions every week. He is more confident, more active, and has made so many new friends. The impact goes beyond the game."

⭐ "My child, who has always been shy and struggled to engage in group activities, now thrives in a team environment. SHOT has given them confidence and a sense of belonging."