Blog
Lionesses breaking down barriers in Deptford
Football can bring people together and is a key part of so many communities across London. At its best it goes beyond sport and simply encouraging team work skills and healthy lifestyles. For grassroots community projects, the impact goes so much deeper than that - the lives of young people and their families are changed by creating communities of safety, friendship and belonging. So it is vital that no one is allowed to miss out due to a lack of dedicated clubs or through financial or social limitations.
Deptford Lionesses took girls off the streets and turned them into league champions. But our biggest achievement isn't the trophies; it's giving over 80 girls confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging. With the support of the Deptford Challenge Trust and The London Community Foundation, we're not just building football teams, we're changing young lives.
Deptford Lionesses is a grassroots community football club based in the heart of Deptford. Since starting in 2021, they have supported over 80 girls and 50 local families, providing opportunities for young people to enjoy football, build confidence, make friendships and feel part of something positive within their community.
Deptford Lionesses are committed to empowering young people aged 6 - 16 through sport, mentoring and positive engagement. They also support local schools and community centres to create safe spaces where young women can build healthy relationships with trusted coaches and their peers. In addition to the football they also offer Muay Thai and non-contact boxing sessions. These help to address the limited opportunities available to girls and young women to participate in sports like football and boxing due to a lack of dedicated clubs.
The club actively prioritise young people who may face barriers to participation, including those at risk from exclusion from school and those experiencing challenges with poor mental health or low confidence. Many of the families supported come from disadvantaged backgrounds, where the cost of organised sport can be a real barrier. The aim of Deptford Lionesses is to ensure that no child misses out because of their family's financial circumstances.
Growing up in an area like Deptford, not every family can afford football clubs or extra activities. We believe every child deserves the same opportunities, regardless of their background. Thanks to this funding, we can continue breaking down those barriers.
Deptford Lionesses have received funding from the Deptford Challenge Trust, supported by The London Community Foundation, over multiple years and the grants have been vital in helping them continue to provide their services and reach more young people. It has allowed them to keep providing a safe, welcoming environment where girls can develop not just as footballers, but as confident young people.
Deptford Lionesses is about more than just football. It's about bringing families together, tackling loneliness, creating opportunities and giving young girls a place where they feel they belong. Funding like this can be the difference between struggling and flourishing with many similar small community grassroots clubs battling to keep making a difference to those that need them most. The London Community Foundation is pleased to play a part in strengthening and bringing the community together and breaking down barriers for the girls who belong to Deptford Lionesses.
“Without the support of the Deptford Challenge Trust and The London Community Foundation, it would be much harder for us to continue providing opportunities for local girls. This funding is more than financial support; it's an investment in our young people and the future of our community.”
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