Thornton Rangers Academy is a unique concept based our initial plan of a local football team with the main emphasis on the principle of fair play, equality and teamwork. Our aim is to bring together children from different social or cultural backgrounds. Through football we promote mutual respect and tolerance, not only on the field but also in everyday life. The project is associated with a local nursery and primary schools around the Thornton Heath area, our parent volunteers put together teams that organises tournaments, public events, workshops and other educational activities for children and young people from the Academy. Already we have 2 young FA qualified coaches with DSB funded by the academy.

What we'll deliver:

• To provide opportunities for young people to develop skills and confidence
• Enhance social inclusion, equal opportunities and participation in sports
• Community engagement
• Opportunities for low income families
• To support young people to progress into positive pathways

Why it's a great idea:

Thornton Rangers Academy started in 2016 as Thornton Rangers FC targeting young males aged between 6 and 11 for low income families in the area. From this we have expanded into an academy now targeting both boys and girls from the age of 4 to 16, we have found that with using the power of football and the value of sports participation we have been able to to help hard-to-reach youngsters in Thornton Heath which has been described as one of the most high-need areas due to the level of gang culture. Our main aim is to use football to bring communities together and engage with young people, getting to youngsters who have proven difficult to reach and guiding them towards a range of healthy and constructive activities.

Steps to get it done:

• keep the training facilities for 2 years
• All players to have kits, boots and training suits