The St. Matthew's Project

The St. Matthew's Project, led by a dedicated team in London, offers young people top-notch personal and athletic development opportunities. Right at the heart of Brixton, this charity and football club has been a game-changer for the community for nearly two decades.

Jerome, the organiser, ensures that the club pumps out 48 hours of action-packed activity every week, reaching 345 young enthusiasts and positively touching over 12,000 young lives annually. Football forms the core of The St. Matthew's Project, where budding players can advance their skills through an estate-based programme, a girls-only Saturday club, and competitive play in the Lambeth Girls Schools League. Holiday programmes during summer, Easter, Christmas, and half-term breaks keep the momentum going year-round.

Mentorship is also a cornerstone here. Jerome's volunteer scheme recruits former participants as coaches, creating an inspiring cycle of success. With FA coaching courses, he empowers these coaches to excel.

Beyond the pitch, the project offers life skills programmes like Moving On for career development, Game of 2 Halves for mental health, Fit 4 Life for physical fitness, and a Parent and Toddler programme to foster strong family bonds. Their One Life: My Choice initiative focuses on personal growth and empowerment.

Summers with The St. Matthew's Project are the stuff of legend—football, food, and friendship all rolled into one, ensuring a safe and engaging environment. Regular updates on social media keep the community in the loop on workshops, holiday wishes, and new sessions for SMP girls.

Support from parents, carers, and participants reinforces the club's positive impact. Words like fun, community, and inspiring are often used to describe the experience.

Safety and well-being are top priorities for Jerome, with robust safeguarding measures, a parent-guardian code of conduct, and a commitment to transparency through their charity status. Community support through donations on Localgiving helps sustain their impactful work.

Jerome invites everyone to join the cause. By supporting The St. Matthew's Project, you're not just empowering young people; you're building a stronger, united community in London.