Jesse’s Journey: A positive path through Premier League Kicks
Jesse’s journey shows how the right support at the right time can change a young person’s future. After moving to Croydon at 14 and facing serious challenges, Jesse found safety, stability and opportunity through our Premier League Kicks sessions, going on to become a positive role model for others in his community.
At just 14 years old, Jesse moved from Uganda to Croydon to live with his father, leaving behind his mother and everything familiar to him. Adjusting to a new country, education system and community was a significant challenge. During this vulnerable period Jesse was targeted by known gang members who attempted to pressure him into transporting and selling drugs on their behalf. This kind of sustained pressure can easily pull young people into cycles of crime, but with the right support, Jesse’s story took a different path.
Jesse began attending our Premier League Kicks sessions, where he found a safe, structured and supportive environment. Through positive activities, new friendships, and consistent mentoring, Jesse was able to settle into a positive community. Our Kicks sessions are deliberately delivered at key times – evenings, Fridays and Saturday nights, offering an alternative to gang culture and unsafe spaces for young people.
Despite continued pressure from gang members, Jesse kept showing up to Kicks. His consistency demonstrated just how safe and supported he felt within our environment.
Now 18, Jesse has been a dedicated Premier League Kicks participant for over three years. He has expanded his involvement into the Premier League Kicks Academy and Refugee sessions, becoming a positive role model for others. Young refugees in particular look to Jesse for guidance as he draws on his own lived experience to support others through similar transitions.
Jesse was selected to represent us at Wembley Stadium, alongside CEO Mike Summers, Palace Legend Mark Bright, and Jamie Broughton, Head of Community Engagement. They attended a landmark event with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and representatives from other London clubs. The event marked a new partnership between the Violence Reduction Unit and all 17 Club Foundations, united in tackling violence and supporting young people across the city. For Jesse, travelling alone to Wembley and engaging with senior leaders was a huge step outside his comfort zone and a significant boost to his confidence and personal development.
In further recognition of his commitment and positive attitude, Jesse has recently been invited to represent us as a flag bearer and ball assistant at major fixtures, including one of the first European games ever played at Selhurst Park! These once-in-a lifetime experiences not only rewarded Jesse’s hard work but also showed his peers what is possible with the right support, behaviour and perseverance.
Today, Jesse gives back to the community that supported him through a difficult time. Alongside his studies at Croydon College and playing for City Select Academy, he volunteers for us and serves as a Young Leader at Legacy Youth Zone. Jesse is excited about the positive future away from crime ahead of him.
Jesse is one of many young people we’ve helped to build a better future. We exist to support young people through difficult periods, open doors to opportunity, and help them thrive as healthy, active members of our community.
Find out more about our work in the community here.
Join our mailing list to hear about football opportunities in South London.