Greenhouse Bethwin Project

Greenhouse Bethwin Football Club

Greenhouse(www.greenhousecharity.org)
Greenhouse helps young people living in deprived communities develop positive life skills through sport and performing arts. They target those who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities, working in state secondary schools, special schools and community clubs.

Greenhouse Bethwin
Greenhouse Bethwin SE Football Club accommodates an astonishing 500 members in 26 teams for boys, girls, men and women - making it one of the largest competitive community clubs in the UK.

From near and far, young people aged between 8 and 21 flock to the Burgess Park Community Sports Ground in Peckham on weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Situated between two of the most notorious estates in South London, parents and schools know coaches provide quality one-to-one mentoring and guidance for young people well beyond the pitch. Many of the coaches are former players and club members, giving them an inside knowledge of the issues young people face growing up in deprived neighbourhoods and helping them to improve their lives.

Activities are provided for free or at a heavily reduced rate, making the club accessible to everyone regardless of their physical, social or economic situation. They do not have trials - there is an open door policy. They believe everyone should be given the opportunity to play football. This means the teams are a melting pot of abilities and personalities, enabling them to address equal opportunity and produce players that are a part of a team and not just individuals.

Bethwin have had seven players recently on trial at Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham, Tooting and Mitcham and it looks as though the young man who was with Tottenham may be given the opportunity to take this further, which is an incredible opportunity for him.

The funding from Tom's Trust has helped to purchase new team kit and equipment for the players. Tom's Trust believes that the Club's work - providing mentoring and guidance both on and off the pitch - plays a crucial role in encouraging young people away from negatives influences in the community.