Impact Football: Help children in East Lothian

Aim

In East Lothian we need your help to support children experiencing poverty, poor mental health, or lacking confidence.

Give young people who are experiencing poverty, poor mental health or a lack in confidence the chance to learn football skill and grow in confidence. 

Inspired by the Euros?   In East Lothian we need your help to raise £2610 for children in East Lothian who are experiencing poverty, poor mental health, or a lack in confidence to attend an 8- week Children 1st Impact Football programme.  They will learn football skills, make new friends, and grow in confidence - helping them to build resilience.  Your support could pave the way for Scotland’s football stars of the future who just wouldn’t have the chance without.

What’s the problem?

Every child dreams of what they will become when they are older. Some children won’t get the chance to follow their dreams. Many children in East Lothian face challenges they can’t overcome on their own and are excluded from mainstream opportunities to participate in sports clubs. This can be due to a lack in confidence, learning or behavioural issues, mental health, social issues and/or poverty.

Poverty can act as a barrier to participation in sport. More than 1 in 4 children in East Lothian are currently living in poverty and can’t access mainstream classes.  We know that being active and socialising is essential for improving physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing but too many children and young people miss out on this opportunity.

Children 1st Impact Football offers this opportunity for children. They can participate in group exercise in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. This free activity ensures the most vulnerable children can have a positive experience and it wouldn’t be possible without your donation.

The Score: The Benefits of Sports and Exercise

“Calum* had lots of fun playing football; he felt more confident, made some new friends and felt happier at home after playing football” – Parent

We know this works. Our Impact Football pilot of 8 weekly sessions at Penny Pitt Park in Prestonpans welcomed over 20 children and their families. The programme engaged children in different football-based drills, exercise and physical activity which developed their skills such as teamwork, communication, respectfulness, and leadership. The pilot was highly successful and made a clear and lasting difference to the children who took part. This included improved physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, an increase in self-confidence and belief. It gave children and young people the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and improve on a positive attitude.

‘All 3 girls really were disappointed when the group finished and are really keen for it to start again’ - Parent.

How we plan to tackle it

We want to run a block of 8 sessions of Impact Football that runs alongside school term-time starting in September. Each session will accommodate up to 20 children aged between 5-12 years in the East Lothian area. Many young people feel nervous and shy about learning new sports.  Impact Football aims to provide every young person attending with the platform to grow in confidence and flourish. Children can be themselves without fear of judgement and really enjoy the football activities to the fullest. 

One block of 8 sessions of Impact Football sessions costs £2610- this includes hiring pitches, the coaches and staffs and equipment. Impact Football will:

• Ensure vulnerable children who would be unable to participate in mainstream football groups are given the chance to participate,
• Give children the opportunity to socialise and build social networks,
• Provide an opportunity for exercise and activity,
• Offer welcome relief to the monotony of lockdown for both parents and children,
• Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills,
• Improve confidence and emotional resilience and wellbeing,
• It could even create dreams of play for the Scotland team in the future…without Impact football, this inspiration might not happen!

Please help us to inspire and empower children through the joy of football and this incredible project by giving what you can.

Who are we? 

We are Children 1st. We help Scotland’s families to put children first, with practical advice and support in difficult times. When the worst happens, we support survivors of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events in childhood to recover. 

Children 1st East Lothian Family Wellbeing Service works alongside children and young people who are on the cusp of care – supporting them and their families to ensure they feel safe, happy, secure, and nurtured at home with their families. Early intervention support can improve the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of children and families. They are supported to build strong relationships and emotional resilience.  

How can you help?

DONATE- Give what you can so we can provide this fantastic programme and help children flourish and have fun!

GIFT AID- Please complete all your details and make your donation go even further.

SPREAD THE WORD- If you love our idea and what to contribute to the community then please tell your friends and family and anyone else you know. 

SHARING IS CARING- Research into crowdfunding campaigns suggests that every share on social media will raise around £20. So please share our project on your social media networks and help us reach our goal. 

This project successfully funded on 9th July 2021