In Lewisham, 76% of young men referred to mental health services never attend a single session. The reason? Stigma, distrust, and a lack of culturally relevant support. Soccology CIC is changing the game, literally. By combining football training with psycho-education, they create a space where young men can build resilience, regulate emotions, and access therapy without the fear of judgment.
On 16 April 2026, Soccology will pitch their Keep The Dream Alive! (KTDA!) programme at Black Funding Network’s Spring Funder—and they need your help to raise £25,000.
Here’s what your support will achieve.
The Challenge: Mental Health and Young Men
- Stigma: Young men, especially from Black and minoritised backgrounds, are 3x less likely to seek mental health support than their peers (Mind, 2023).
- Access Barriers: Traditional therapy often feels clinical and detached. Soccology’s founders—former professional footballers and qualified therapists – know firsthand that trust is built on the pitch, not in a counselor’s office.
- Systemic Pressures: 51% of Soccology’s participants come from single-parent households, and 32% face housing instability or gang exposure. Without intervention, these pressures can lead to anxiety, depression, and school exclusions.
Soccology’s Solution:
“We meet them on the pitch first. Therapy comes after they trust us.”—Kevin George, Founder
What £25,000 Will Achieve
Your donation on 16 April will directly fund:
1. Elite Football Training + Therapy Sessions
- 12-month programme for 1,200 young men (ages 12–18) in Lewisham.
- Weekly sessions led by former pro footballers and therapists, focusing on: Emotional regulation (e.g., managing anger, anxiety). Conflict resolution (e.g., de-escalation techniques). Teamwork and leadership (e.g., peer mentoring).
- Showcase matches with scouts from professional clubs, offering real pathways into sports careers.
2. Psycho-Education and Mentorship
- Group therapy circles where participants discuss mental health, masculinity, and resilience.
- 1-1 mentorship with role models who’ve overcome similar challenges.
- Parent/carer workshops to help families support their children’s mental health at home.
3. Community and Career Pathways
- Networking events with local employers, coaches, and educators.
- Alumni network where past participants return as mentors and coaches, creating a cycle of leadership.
- Certifications in coaching, refereeing, or sports first aid for participants who want to turn their passion into a career.
Why This Matters
- 85% of Soccology’s participants report improved confidence after just 3 months.
- Young men who engage in sports-based therapy are 40% more likely to continue seeking support (UK Coaching, 2022).
- For every £1 invested, Soccology generates £3 in social value (e.g., reduced NHS costs, improved school attendance).
Without Funding:
- 1,200 young men miss out on mental health support.
- Therapy sessions are cancelled, leaving vulnerable youth without a lifeline.
- Talented footballers lose their pathway to careers in sports.
With Your Help:
- 1,200 young men gain tools to manage anxiety, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.
- Families learn how to support their children’s mental health.
- A new generation of coaches and mentors emerges from the programme.
How You Can Help on 16 April
- Attend the Spring Funder
- Donate Now
- Spread the Word:
Meet the Team
Kevin George, Soccology’s founder, is a former professional footballer and qualified therapist who saw too many young men fall through the cracks of traditional mental health services. His team includes:
- Ex-pro players who mentor participants.
- Therapists specialising in trauma and youth mental health.
- Youth workers who bridge the gap between the pitch and the community.
“We’re not just teaching football—we’re teaching our boys they’re worth more than their circumstances.”—Kevin George
What Your Support Will Change
Call to Action: Join Us on 16 April
Soccology CIC is ready to score big—but they can’t do it alone. Your presence, your vote, and your donation will help them reach 1,200 young men and transform mental health support in Lewisham.
- Book your ticket for the Spring Funder.
- Donate today to kickstart their campaign.
- Follow @SoccologyCIC and share their story with your network.
“This is more than football. It’s about giving our boys a fighting chance.”—Kevin George
On 16 April, you have the power to change 1,200 lives. By supporting Soccology CIC, you’re not just funding a programme. You’re investing in a movement that uses sport to break stigma, build resilience, and create futures. Join us and be part of the team that scores big for mental health.