Big Leaf Foundation
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Sport | supporting health and building community

September 2024
Sport is an essential part of our provision. It represents a common language, where words are not as important as the action on the field and where there is a sense of mutual understanding and respect between players. We have seen first-hand the positive impact sport has on mental wellbeing, helping young people develop coping mechanisms for trauma.

We want our programmes to reflect what the young people want, and we currently support displaced young people to play football, basketball and to box. We’re working on expanding our provision to include a wider variety of sports, as trialled during our sports day.

In April 2021, we started our weekly football sessions in Guildford and Redhill. Each week, around 30 young people attend each session and a real community has developed. It’s been particularly warming to see long-time players offer wisdom and friendship to recently arrived young people settling into the community.

​We want the young people we support to feel confident accessing sports provision in their communities. We have progression routes and pathways for participants, and strong relationships with local clubs, including Guildford United, Redhill Youth FC, Merstham Cricket Club and Guildford City Cricket club. If a young person you know wants support accessing a local team, you can refer them here.
"All of them fitted in right away, and immediately became part of our Redhill Family"
Redhill Rockets FC

current projects


Guildford football

Image of four people outdoors playing football
Our sessions run every Thursday, from 5.30- 6.45pm. Please email [email protected] for venue details. 

The sessions are open to displaced young people aged 16-25 living in Surrey. If you’re over 18 you don’t need to book in order to attend. But if you’re a young person under the age of 18 (or referring a young person under the age of 18) who would like to play we will need a signed consent form.

Redhill football

Image of a lot of young people outdoors playing football
Our sessions run every Friday, from 7pm- 8.30pm. Please email [email protected] for venue details. 

The sessions are open to displaced young people aged 16-25 living in Surrey. If you’re over 18 you don’t need to book in order to attend. But if you’re a young person under the age of 18 (or referring a young person under the age of 18) who would like to play we will need a signed consent form.



Basketball

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In partnership with Basketball4All, we are running basketball taster sessions on Friday evenings for young people interested in the sport. 

​These sessions are open to displaced young people aged 16-25 living in Surrey. Booking is essential. To reserve a place and get information about the venue and time, please email Koye at [email protected]. 




Boxing

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We recently launched weekly Boxing sessions. Delivered in partnership with Redhill Amateur Boxing Club, these sessions are a chance to build technical skills and join a community club. 

Running every Friday evening during term time. To reserve a place and get information about the venue and time, please email Koye at [email protected]

Our sports sessions focus on fitness and skills and are delivered by professional coaches. Players must wear trainers or astro trainers.

project archive

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Refugee Week Football

This refugee week we brought our young people and community together for a friendly game
Image of people outdoors coaching rugby

Sports Day

Our first sports day, bringing together local clubs and our young people for a day of fun
Image of young people outdoors scoring a goal

ISpeak Football

A three day programme focused on developing English language through football skills. 

Our partners & associates
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PrivacY | SAFEGUARDING | contacT

PO Box 1655, Guildford, GU1 9JS
[email protected]

​UK Registered Charity Number: 1181180
​Copyright © 2022
  • Home
  • About us
    • Our history
    • Annual review
    • Funders and partners
    • Vacancies
    • Contact
  • What we do
  • Referral
  • Casework
  • Support us
  • Volunteer