Using the Power of Sport to Inspire Local Communities

For many people, living in London means opportunity and the chance to achieve their ambitions, but the city is not always a place of personal growth for everyone. This is where Burgess Sports steps in…

With eight years under its belt, the past two as a registered charity, Southwark-based Burgess Sports is on a mission to give local residents a unique opportunity to ‘develop leadership, organisational and physical management skills’ in a safe environment with a strong sense of community.

“Yes, I like sport [though], I’m not particularly good at any, but it doesn’t matter,” laughed Alejandra Teixido, the CEO who has previously worked for charities in her home country of Chile, where she gained the experience, passion and skills to succeed in this sector.

“Sports are a good tool for social integration,” she adds. And it’s true – the many nationwide campaigns that have brought communities together through sporting initiatives have boomed and been successful.

The project itself began from an idea by founders Vernon Neve-Dunn and the director of the local tennis centre, Tom Ulicsak, which envisaged sports clubs working together in Burgess Park SE5 to provide better opportunities for the local community, whilst making sure these were accessible to all.

 Alejandra said: “I got involved through my husband who has run a rugby club in Burgess Park for over 20 years now. We only have one full-time member of staff and two part-time roles, but we have an amazing number of volunteers and participants involved in our activities.”

Ambassadors

Not only does the project provided a fantastic place for children, young adults and families to take part in physical exercise, but those who would like to forge a new sense of purpose and follow a fresh direction in their lives can go on to become coaches themselves.

“This year, we have trained 20 new ambassadors. Some of them will come to our programme and some will support their clubs – with the ladder of progression made by ambassadors; two of them so far having become coaches.

“We definitely have a great connection with our local community, and projects have been developed according to community expectations and needs.”

“Partnerships are so important, everyone contributes to making a real impact or change – nobody on their own can do that” – Alejandra Teixido

Burgess Sports has produced many success stories, with those ambassadors at the top of the list, showing that those who attend can build their self-belief and develop into aspirational – and inspirational – young people.

“One young girl who was a very shy participant [and] not very keen on sports has become an amazing young leader. Children love her, and she has flourished with great self-confidence.”

Others have become young coaches after progressing from ambassadors, with help from Burgess Sports to pay for and support their Level 2 Certificate in coaching. All of the people who contribute their time and energies are locals who have embraced the charity and what it offers.

Working alongside others outside of the charity is also something Alejandro strongly believes in. “Changes are not possible if you don’t work with others. Partnerships are so important, everyone contributes to making a real impact or change – nobody on their own can do that.”

Dedication

One such partnership came about when Burgess Sports teamed up with second year students at London College of Communication to create a video for its website, giving a practical, ‘real world’ outlet for the skills they are developing at university.

Second year BA Live Events and Television student Lauren Williams, who led the LCC team working with Burgess Sports, said its sense of community was a was a major motivating factor. “The dedication of everyone involved was the story that we wanted to tell because they are so important to many young people and families.

“All of the workers are either from the area or had been through the programme themselves, and their commitment and desire to give back to a cause that had helped them was truly inspiring.”

It wasn’t just the project itself that prompted Lauren to produce a video; hearing Alejandra talk about why she is involved gave the team a sense of direction and a better understanding.

“Hearing her passion for community, and not just getting children involved in sports, but giving them an outlet and opportunity to learn important life skills, made us focus on telling their whole story,” Lauren explained.

These life skills play an important role for the young people who attend, especially as Southwark had London’s worst record for knife crime (with injury) in 2018/19, and the third-highest figure for knife crime in general with 777 offences.

“Their commitment and desire to give back to a cause that had helped them was truly inspiring” – Lauren Williams

“This issue is everyone’s concern,” said Alejandra. “We work hard to keep our policies up-to-date and to stay well connected with our local community.”

The opportunities offered by Burgess Sports helps young people stay off the streets and gives them focus, as well as a safe place to go.

Alejandra added: “We recently started a girls-only club. They asked to have a space to meet and do different activities. They do not feel comfortable in the youth clubs in the area and they were very direct in proposing to have this opportunity, and I am so glad they did.” 

Over the past eight years, Burgess Sports has successfully embedded itself into the fabric of life in South London, but it wants to do more for those people who need its support.

Alejandra said: “I am looking for a business model that would provide Burgess Sports with financial stability and a bit of financial independence. The programmes are well appreciated by the local community, therefore, it is really important to give the charity sustainability.”

To find out more, visit the Burgess Sports website.