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Marcelona Sports Foundation delivers engaging, inclusive and adaptable sports activities, education and employability programmes for young people who are disproportionately affected by educational disadvantage, inactivity, unemployment and social inequality.
Our programmes combine sport, accredited education, mentoring, personal development and employability support to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, confidence and practical experience needed to progress into further education, employment and positive life opportunities, while also supporting those pursuing their sporting ambitions.
We provide an alternative pathway for young people who may have become disengaged from mainstream education, including those with few or no qualifications, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social, emotional or learning difficulties, or those facing significant barriers to participation. Through tailored support and positive relationships, we help young people re-engage with learning, build resilience and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Why Our Work Matters
The need for our programmes has never been greater.
Across the UK, many young people continue to face significant barriers to success, including educational disadvantage, youth unemployment, poor mental wellbeing, physical inactivity and exposure to crime and exploitation. These challenges disproportionately affect those living in areas of deprivation and young people from underrepresented and marginalised communities.
At Marcelona Sports Foundation, we use the power of sport as a catalyst for change. By combining high-quality coaching with education, mentoring and life skills development, we create safe, supportive environments where young people can build confidence, develop aspirations and realise their full potential.
Our programmes are designed not only to improve participation in sport but to create lasting social impact by increasing educational achievement, improving employability, strengthening wellbeing and empowering young people to become positive, independent members of their communities.
Meet The Team
Coming Soon!
We're excited to introduce the passionate people behind Marcelona Sports Foundation. Our dedicated team of coaches, tutors, mentors and staff are committed to inspiring and supporting young people to achieve their full potential.
Check back soon to meet the team and learn more about the people making a difference every day.
Our Impact
We believe that sport is more than physical activity—it is a vehicle for personal growth, education and social mobility.
The success of our programmes is measured not only by what young people achieve while they are with us, but by the positive destinations they progress to after completing their journey.
Our key outcomes are that every young person moves into one of the following:
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Further Education
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Employment
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Apprenticeships or Training
We are proud that 98% of our students progress into further education, employment or training after completing our two-year football and education programme.
This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred programmes that produce meaningful, long-term outcomes. By combining education, sport, mentoring and employability support, we help young people build brighter futures and become active, successful members of society.
Our impact is measured through educational achievement, progression into positive destinations, increased confidence and wellbeing, improved employability skills and sustained engagement with learning and employment.
Read our 2023 Impact Report to discover the difference our programmes are making in the lives of young people and communities.
WHERE ARE WE BASED?
The Jack Carter Centre
The Drive, Ilford, IG1 3PS
